Peripheral Nervous System
Peripheral Nervous System
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) (pronounced: puh-rif-er-uhl nerv-us sis-tem) is the part of the Nervous System that consists of the nerves and ganglia outside of the Brain and Spinal Cord. The main function of the PNS is to connect the Central Nervous System (CNS) to the limbs and organs, essentially serving as a communication relay going back and forth between the brain and the extremities.
Etymology
The term "Peripheral" comes from the Greek word "peripheria" which means circumference, and "Nervous System" is derived from the Latin word "nervus" meaning sinew, string, nerve.
Structure
The PNS is divided into the Somatic Nervous System and the Autonomic Nervous System. The Somatic Nervous System is responsible for coordinating the body's movements, and also for receiving external stimuli. The Autonomic Nervous System is further subdivided into the Sympathetic Nervous System, the Parasympathetic Nervous System, and the Enteric Nervous System.
Function
The PNS is responsible for connecting the CNS to the rest of the body. This allows for communication between the brain and the limbs and organs. The PNS is also involved in the body's response to external stimuli.
Related Terms
- Neuron: The basic working unit of the nervous system which sends and receives signals.
- Nerve: A bundle of fibers that transmits impulses of sensation to the brain or spinal cord, and impulses from these to the muscles and organs.
- Ganglion: A structure containing a number of nerve cell bodies, typically linked by synapses.
- Sensory Neurons: Neurons that receive and send information from the body to the CNS.
- Motor Neurons: Neurons that receive signals from the brain and spinal cord to control everything from muscle contractions to glandular output.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Peripheral Nervous System
- Wikipedia's article - Peripheral Nervous System
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