What part of the nervous system is responsible for processing sensory information?

The central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for processing sensory information because it consists of the brain and spinal cord. Within the brain, various regions are specifically dedicated to interpreting sensory inputs from the body, such as sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. When sensory receptors detect stimuli, they send signals through the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system, where this information is analyzed and integrated. The central nervous system then generates appropriate responses, which may involve sending signals back through the peripheral nervous system to instruct muscles or glands on how to react.

The peripheral nervous system, while involved in conveying sensory signals to the central nervous system, does not process this information. The autonomic nervous system is a subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary body functions, such as heart rate and digestion, rather than sensory information. The somatic nervous system, also part of the peripheral nervous system, controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles but does not primarily handle information processing. Thus, the central nervous system is the key player in processing sensory information, making it the correct choice.