National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam

Which two systems comprise the nervous system?

1. Central Nervous System and Endocrine System

2. Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System

3. Peripheral Nervous System and Autonomic Nervous System

4. Sympathetic Nervous System and Parasympathetic Nervous System

The correct answer is: Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System

The nervous system is comprised of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The Central Nervous System consists of the brain and spinal cord, serving as the major control center for processing sensory information, coordinating responses, and governing cognitive functions. The Peripheral Nervous System connects the CNS to the rest of the body, including limbs and organs, allowing for communication between the brain and the body's periphery. The Peripheral Nervous System itself is further divided into the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements, and the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions. While other options mention related components of the nervous system, they do not accurately represent the primary divisions. For instance, the endocrine system is responsible for hormone regulation rather than being a part of the nervous system, and the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are subcategories of the autonomic nervous system within the Peripheral Nervous System. Therefore, the correct choice clearly identifies the two main parts that constitute the complete nervous system.