Final answer:
The brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system, with the skull protecting the brain and the vertebral column safeguarding the spinal cord, which serves as the main communication pathway between the brain and the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The brain is located in the head and is the hub of the entire nervous system. The skull protects the brain and provides support for the face. The spinal cord is the primary channel of communication between the brain and the rest of the body. The vertebral column protects the spinal cord and provides a source of connection for skeletal muscles.
The Central Nervous System (CNS) comprises the brain and spinal cord, where the brain is responsible for processing information and the spinal cord facilitates the communication of sensory and motor input throughout the body. The skull, along with three layers of meninges (the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater), safeguard the delicate structures of the brain. Similarly, the spinal cord, encapsulated by the vertebral column and meninges, relays sensory information and motor commands, besides controlling various reflexes. The proper functioning of these components is vital for sustaining life and ensuring the organism's interaction with its environment.