Question

In vertebrates, the brain and the spinal cord constitute a. the peripheral nervous system. b. the efferent division of the nervous system. c. the central nervous system. d. the autonomic nervous system. e. the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Short answer

The correct answer is c. the central nervous system.

Step-by-step solution

Identification

Recognize the question is about the organization of the vertebrate nervous system. The content required for answering this question is related to biology and physiology specifically about the components of the nervous systems.

Familiarize yourself with the different subsystems of the nervous system

Review and understand the different parts of the nervous system. This includes the peripheral nervous system, the efferent division of the nervous system, the central nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, and the combination of central and peripheral nervous systems.

Match the given components with the correct subsystem

The brain and spinal cord constitute the central nervous system. This is because the central nervous system is usually made up of these two components while the peripheral nervous system consists of all the nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord.

Key concepts

Central Nervous System

The central nervous system (CNS) is a fundamental component of vertebrate anatomy, serving as the main control center for all body activities. It is essentially the body's command center, comprising two primary structures: the brain and the spinal cord. The CNS integrates sensory information and orchestrates responses to internal and external stimuli.

Think of the CNS as the chief executive officer of a company, with the brain analyzing information and making decisions while the spinal cord delivers instructions to the rest of the body through a network of nerves. Each part of the CNS has specialized functions, with the brain broken down into various regions responsible for processes such as thought, memory, emotion, and coordination. The spinal cord acts as a conduit for signals traveling between the brain and the peripheral nervous system.

Peripheral Nervous System

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all the nerves outside the CNS—the vast network that transmits information between the central nervous system and every other part of the body. It is like a messenger that relays orders from the brain to various organs, muscles, and cells, as well as carrying sensory information back to the brain.

Functionally, the PNS can be divided into the somatic nervous system, which governs voluntary movements and the relay of sensory information, and the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion. Understanding the PNS is essential for comprehending how the body interacts with the environment and maintains internal balance or homeostasis.

Spinal Cord

The spinal cord, a long, slender column of nervous tissue within the spinal column, functions as a superhighway for signals between the body and the brain. It permits the brain to both send motor commands to the limbs and receive sensory information from the skin and joints. The spinal cord also has autonomous capabilities, such as reflex responses that occur without direct brain involvement.

Consider the knee-jerk reaction: this reflex originates and completes at the level of the spinal cord, showcasing its ability to independently manage certain actions. An understanding of spinal cord anatomy is crucial for grasping how motor and sensory nerves connect to form our ability to move and feel, and why damage to this area can have such profound consequences, like paralysis or loss of sensation.

Brain Anatomy

Brain anatomy is an elaborate and complex subject, involving multiple regions and structures with specialized roles. The cerebrum is the largest part, handling tasks related to learning, emotion, speech, and voluntary movement. Below that, the cerebellum maintains balance and coordination, while the brainstem controls essential functions necessary for survival, such as breathing and heart rate.

The brain is protected by the skull and is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid, which acts as a cushion against injury. In addition, the brain's surface is folded into ridges and grooves, increasing the area for neurons and thus its processing power. By understanding the different parts of the brain and their functions, students can better appreciate the complexity of tasks such as processing sensory input, initiating movement, forming memories, and experiencing emotions.