What does the central nervous system (CNS) primarily include?

The central nervous system (CNS) primarily includes the brain and spinal cord. This system acts as the control center for the body, processing sensory information and coordinating actions and responses. The brain interprets signals received from the body and the environment, while the spinal cord serves as a conduit for impulses between the brain and the rest of the body, facilitating communication and reflexes.

The other options do not pertain to the CNS: the heart and lungs are part of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, respectively, muscles and nerves are components of the peripheral nervous system that connect to the CNS but do not make up the CNS, and hormones and glands are part of the endocrine system, which regulates various bodily functions through hormone secretion. Therefore, understanding the specific components of the CNS as the brain and spinal cord is essential for anyone studying behavioral health or related fields.