PSI Barbering Practice Exam

Which part of the nervous system controls consciousness and mental activities?

1. Peripheral nervous system

2. Sympathetic nervous system

3. Central nervous system

4. Autonomic nervous system

The correct answer is: Central nervous system

The central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for controlling consciousness and mental activities. It is comprised of the brain and spinal cord, which are central to processing information, regulating bodily functions, and facilitating mental processes such as thought, emotion, and memory. The brain, specifically, is where conscious thought occurs; it integrates sensory information and coordinates responses, making it pivotal for mental activities. The other parts of the nervous system have different primary functions. The peripheral nervous system connects the CNS to the rest of the body and is mainly involved in transmitting sensory and motor signals. The sympathetic nervous system is a component of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, but it doesn’t govern conscious thought. The autonomic nervous system mostly manages involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion, rather than conscious activities. Therefore, it’s the central nervous system that distinctly oversees consciousness and mental faculties.