Question 47
What constitutes the central and peripheral nervous systems? How are the components of the central nervous system protected?

The central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord.
The peripheral nervous system is composed of cranial nerves, spinal nerves and the autonomous nervous system.

Protection of the CNS:
The brain gets the maximum protection, as it is housed inside the skull called the cranium.
Spinal cord gets protection from the vertebral column.
Additionally, the brain and the spinal cord are surrounded by a system of three layers called meninges. The cerebrospinal fluid filled between these membranes provides a cushion against mechanical shocks.