Which area of the body includes both the brain and spinal cord?

The area of the body that includes both the brain and spinal cord is known as the Central Nervous System (CNS). The CNS is crucial as it serves as the primary control center for the body, processing and integrating sensory information while also coordinating responses through motor output.

The brain is responsible for higher cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and voluntary movement control, while the spinal cord transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body, also facilitating reflex actions. This system is fundamentally important for survival as it regulates bodily functions and enables communication within the body.

In contrast, the other systems listed serve different roles: the Muscular System is focused on movement and support, the Circulatory System handles blood flow and distribution of nutrients and oxygen, and the Respiratory System is involved in breathing and gas exchange. Thus, the Central Nervous System distinctly encompasses the brain and spinal cord, marking it as a central hub for neural functions.