What system is responsible for the immediate reaction of pulling away from a hot stove?

The system responsible for the immediate reaction of pulling away from a hot stove is the central nervous system. When you touch something hot, sensory receptors in your skin send a signal through peripheral nerves to the spinal cord, which is part of the central nervous system. The spinal cord processes this information and immediately sends a signal back out through motor neurons to the muscles in your arm and hand, causing you to pull away quickly from the source of heat. This reflex action occurs without the need for the brain to consciously process the information first, allowing for a rapid response to potentially harmful stimuli.

In this scenario, while the peripheral nervous system plays a role by sending sensory information to and from the central nervous system, it does not solely govern the immediate reaction. The endocrine system does not have a direct role in reflex responses like this one. Additionally, the circulatory system is responsible for transporting blood and nutrients throughout the body but does not directly control reflex actions. Thus, the central nervous system is the key component in the swift response to protect the body from injury.