What is the term for the controlling part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord?

The term that refers to the controlling part of the nervous system, encompassing the brain and spinal cord, is the Central Nervous System. This system is integral to the processing and integration of sensory information, as well as controlling voluntary and involuntary movements. It is the main command center for the body, coordinating actions and responses based on incoming stimuli.

The Central Nervous System is distinct from the Peripheral Nervous System, which includes all the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord and is primarily responsible for carrying signals to and from different parts of the body. Understanding the roles of these systems is fundamental in neuroscience and psychology, as it highlights how the brain and spinal cord function as the core processors of information for behavior and bodily functions.