The document discusses the central processing unit (CPU) and how it executes instructions. It defines the CPU as the brain of the computer with two main components: the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and control unit. The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations while the control unit extracts, decodes, and executes instructions, calling on the ALU when needed. It describes the various registers used by the CPU like the program counter, accumulator, and memory address register. It outlines the instruction cycle of fetch, decode, and execute and provides an example of how the CPU would carry out an add instruction.