What are the two major parts of the nervous system?

The two major parts of the nervous system are comprised of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, which are essential for processing and transmitting information throughout the body. The brain is responsible for higher cognitive functions, while the spinal cord acts as a conduit for signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

The peripheral nervous system, on the other hand, consists of all the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord and extend to the limbs and organs, playing a critical role in transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system and conveying commands back to the body. This distinct division is foundational in understanding how the body interacts with its environment and coordinates responses.

The other options offered refer to components or subdivisions within the nervous system but do not represent the overarching classification. The somatic and autonomic systems describe parts of the peripheral nervous system; the cerebrum and cerebellum are specific structures within the brain; and the brain and spinal cord focus only on the components of the central nervous system. Hence, the identification of the central and peripheral nervous systems encapsulates the full scope of the nervous system's organization.