The human nervous system consists of two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. It contains billions of neurons and is protected by the skull, vertebrae and membranes. The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body and is divided into the somatic and autonomic systems. The autonomic system regulates involuntary functions and contains the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.