Peripheral Nervous System

Peripheral Nervous System

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is a 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.

Structure

The PNS is divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. In the somatic nervous system, the cranial nerves and spinal nerves are involved. The autonomic nervous system is further subdivided into the sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system, and the enteric nervous system.

Function

The PNS has a wide variety of functions, primarily revolving around sending information to and from the CNS. This includes sensory information from the sensory organs to the CNS, and motor information from the CNS to the muscles.

Clinical significance

Damage to the PNS can result in neuropathy, which can lead to a variety of symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Diseases that specifically attack the PNS include Guillain-Barré syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

See also

• Nervous system
• Central nervous system
• Somatic nervous system
• Autonomic nervous system