NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

The nervous system made up of the brain and spinal cord is known as the:

1. Central nervous system

2. Peripheral nervous system

3. Autonomic nervous system

4. Voluntary nervous system

The correct answer is: Central nervous system

The nervous system comprising the brain and spinal cord is referred to as the central nervous system (CNS). This system serves as the main control center for processing and transmitting information throughout the body. The brain is responsible for higher functions such as thought, memory, and emotion, while the spinal cord serves as a conduit for signals between the brain and the rest of the body, managing reflexes and coordinating movement. The peripheral nervous system, in contrast, includes all the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord and brain, connecting the CNS to limbs and organs. The autonomic nervous system and voluntary nervous system are subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system, focusing on involuntary control (such as heartbeat and digestion) and voluntary actions (like muscle movements) respectively, rather than encompassing the brain and spinal cord. Therefore, the classification of the brain and spinal cord as the central nervous system is essential for understanding how the body coordinates and regulates its functions.