What are the two major structures in the nervous system?

The two major structures in the nervous system are the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The Central Nervous System consists of the brain and spinal cord, which are crucial for processing information and controlling the body. It serves as the main control center, coordinating all activities, thoughts, and responses. The Peripheral Nervous System, on the other hand, branches out from the CNS and connects it to limbs and organs, allowing the brain and spinal cord to communicate with the rest of the body.

Understanding the distinction between these two systems is fundamental to studying neurological function and disorders, particularly in the context of addiction and recovery, where the interactions between the nervous system and substance use can heavily impact behavior and treatment approaches. Other choices, such as the cerebrum and cerebellum or the somatic and autonomic nervous systems, while they describe important components or divisions within the nervous system, do not encompass the entirety of the major structures in the way that the CNS and PNS do.