Peripheral nerve

A Peripheral nerve (/pəˈrɪfərəl nɜːrv/), in the field of neurology, refers to any nerve that lies outside the central nervous system (CNS). These nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Etymology

The term "peripheral" is derived from the Greek word "peripheria" which means circumference, referring to the location of these nerves outside the central core of the body. The term "nerve" comes from the Latin "nervus" meaning sinew or string.

Function

Peripheral nerves are responsible for connecting the CNS to the various tissues and organs of the body. They carry information to and from the brain and spinal cord, enabling sensory and motor functions.

Types

There are three types of peripheral nerves: sensory nerves, motor nerves, and autonomic nerves.

Sensory nerves carry sensory information from the body to the CNS.
Motor nerves transmit signals from the CNS to the muscles, causing them to contract.
Autonomous nerves control involuntary or semi-voluntary functions such as heart rate and digestion.

Related Terms

Neuron: The basic working unit of the nervous system, neurons transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells.
Axon: The long threadlike part of a nerve cell along which impulses are conducted from the cell body to other cells.
Myelin: A fatty substance that surrounds and insulates the axons of some neurons, enhancing the speed of electrical transmission along the axon.
Neuropathy: A term that refers to general diseases or malfunctions of the peripheral nerves.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Peripheral nerve
Wikipedia's article - Peripheral nerve

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Peripheral nerve