Basis of differentiation 

Central nervous system (CNS)

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Definition 

Is the central processing unit of the nervous system

Is part of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to the other parts of the body

Components 

Brain and the spinal cord

Sensory neurons, sensory receptors, and motor neurons

Significance 

Is responsible for processing information

Is responsible for transmitting the processed information to various body parts and bringing about response to stimulus, movement, and physiological changes

Protected by 

Skull 

Vertebral column

Function 

Organizes, stores, and analyzes information obtained from sensory organs

Transmits sensory information from the central nervous system to various parts of the body

Effect of injury  

Causes global damage

Causes localized damage

Ability to regenerate

Most nerves in the CNS are unable to regenerate nerve fibers 

Most nerves in the PNS can be regenerated