Final answer:
The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes all other neural elements. The PNS is further subdivided into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two principal divisions that make up the nervous system (NS) are the: central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for processing and coordinating information. The PNS extends from the CNS to the rest of the body and includes nerves and ganglia. The PNS itself is further divided into the somatic nervous system, which is responsible for voluntary movements and reflexes, and the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions.
The CNS acts as the control center for the body, directing signals from the brain to different parts of the body. The PNS carries information to and from the CNS, allowing the body to respond to various stimuli. Understanding these fundamental divisions of the nervous system is crucial for grasping how the body senses, processes, and responds to the world around it.