Peripheral nerves
Peripheral nerves
Peripheral nerves (/pəˈrɪfərəl nɜːrvz/), derived from the Greek words "peri" meaning around and "phero" meaning to bear, are the nerves that exist outside the central nervous system (CNS). They are part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which is one of the two main divisions of the nervous system.
Peripheral nerves are responsible for connecting the CNS to the various tissues and organs of the body, allowing for communication and coordination between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body. They are involved in a variety of functions, including sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions.
Structure
Peripheral nerves are composed of bundles of neurons, which are the basic functional units of the nervous system. Each neuron consists of a cell body, an axon, and multiple dendrites. The axon is responsible for transmitting electrical signals, while the dendrites receive these signals.
Peripheral nerves are surrounded by a protective sheath known as the myelin sheath, which is produced by Schwann cells. This sheath serves to insulate the nerve and speed up the transmission of electrical signals.
Function
Peripheral nerves play a crucial role in the body's ability to interact with its environment. They transmit sensory information from the body to the CNS, allowing for the perception of sensations such as touch, temperature, and pain. They also carry motor commands from the CNS to the muscles, enabling voluntary movement.
In addition, peripheral nerves are involved in the regulation of autonomic functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration. These functions are largely unconscious and are controlled by the autonomic nervous system, a part of the PNS.
Related Terms
- Neuron
- Axon
- Dendrite
- Myelin sheath
- Schwann cells
- Central nervous system
- Peripheral nervous system
- Autonomic nervous system
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Peripheral nerves
- Wikipedia's article - Peripheral nerves
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