What comprises the brain and spinal cord, processing sensory input and response?

The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the brain and spinal cord, forming the primary control center for processing sensory information and coordinating responses. The brain interprets sensory input, facilitates decision-making, and directs responses, while the spinal cord acts as a major conduit for signals traveling to and from the brain. This integrated system enables the body to react to environmental stimuli through voluntary and involuntary responses.

In contrast, other options represent different parts of the nervous system that do not encompass both the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system consists of nerves outside the CNS and focuses primarily on connecting the CNS to limbs and organs, rather than processing information. The cerebellum is a specific region of the brain that coordinates movement and balance, but it is only a part of the central nervous system, not the entire system. The autonomic nervous system is a component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion, but it does not include the brain or spinal cord itself. Therefore, the central nervous system is the only option that accurately describes the brain and spinal cord in relation to sensory processing and response.