Final answer:
The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord, which handle the reception, processing, and transmission of information in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. It is a fundamental part of the nervous system, which also includes the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS is made up of nerves that extend to and from the central nervous system to the rest of the body, involving structures such as the autonomic and somatic nervous systems. The autonomic nervous system further divides into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which manage the body's involuntary functions. However, to answer the question, the central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for receiving, processing, and sending information throughout the body.