Which part of the nervous system contains cranial and spinal nerves?

The correct answer is the Peripheral Nervous System, which is crucial because it encompasses all the nerves that lie outside the central nervous system (CNS), specifically the brain and spinal cord. The Peripheral Nervous System is divided into cranial nerves, which emerge from the brain, and spinal nerves, which branch off from the spinal cord.

This system is responsible for transmitting signals between the CNS and the rest of the body, facilitating communication between the brain, spinal cord, and limbs or organs. It plays a pivotal role in various bodily functions, including sensory information processing and motor control.

The other options focus on different aspects of the nervous system. The Central Nervous System is primarily made up of the brain and spinal cord, without the peripheral nerves. The Autonomic Nervous System is a component of the Peripheral Nervous System that controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion, while the Somatic Nervous System, also part of the Peripheral Nervous System, governs voluntary movements and sensory information. However, none of those options encapsulate the entire range of cranial and spinal nerves, making the Peripheral Nervous System the most accurate choice.