Which of the following is a function performed by the central nervous system (CNS)?

• A. Processing and integrating sensory information
• B. Regulating digestion through direct control of the gastrointestinal tract
• C. Transmitting signals between the brain and peripheral organs
• D. Carrying out immune responses to pathogens

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord and is primarily responsible for processing and integrating information received from sensory organs.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the CNS processes sensory information by receiving input from the peripheral nervous system (PNS), interpreting it, and then coordinating appropriate responses.
3. Step 3: Identify that regulating digestion through direct control of the gastrointestinal tract is mainly a function of the autonomic nervous system, which is part of the peripheral nervous system, not the CNS.
4. Step 4: Note that transmitting signals between the brain and peripheral organs is a function of the peripheral nervous system, which acts as a communication network connecting the CNS to the rest of the body.
5. Step 5: Understand that carrying out immune responses to pathogens is a function of the immune system, not the nervous system, and therefore not a function of the CNS.