Which organs are part of the central nervous system (CNS)?

• A. Ganglia and peripheral nerves
• B. Spinal cord and spinal nerves
• C. Brain and spinal cord
• D. Brain and cranial nerves

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for processing and integrating information.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all nerves outside the CNS, such as cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and ganglia.
3. Step 3: Identify that ganglia are clusters of neuron cell bodies located outside the CNS, thus part of the PNS, not the CNS.
4. Step 4: Note that spinal nerves and cranial nerves are also part of the PNS because they extend from the CNS to the rest of the body.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the organs that make up the CNS are specifically the brain and spinal cord, distinguishing them from peripheral structures.