An embedded system is an electronic system designed to perform a specific function. It contains both hardware and software. The document discusses various components of an embedded system including microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, memory, and input/output ports. It also covers different types of processors like microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, ASICs, and FPGAs. The document provides examples of embedded systems used in various applications and summarizes the purpose and elements of a typical embedded system.