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What is the Peripheral Nervous System?

J. Beam
J. Beam

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is one of the two main parts of the body’s nervous system. The central nervous system (CNS) is comprised of the brain and the spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system branches outside of the central nervous system and is comprised of nerves and neurons that transmit information to and from the brain. It is further divided into two parts called the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.

The body is connected to the central nervous system through the peripheral nervous system. The part known as the somatic nervous system is comprised of cranial nerves and spinal nerves. The nerves of the somatic nervous system supply the muscular system and external receptors. It is this part of the body that remains in control to enable movement.

A person’s sense of touch, taste, sight, sound and smell are controlled by the somatic nervous system. Also, this system is what causes the body to feel heat, cold, and pain. It also controls involuntary actions such as blinking.

The peripheral nervous system is spread across the entire body.
The peripheral nervous system is spread across the entire body.

The second part is the autonomic nervous system, or visceral nervous system. The autonomic system controls and regulates the body internally. It is comprised of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Cranial nerves make up the parasympathetic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system conveys impulses to and from the sensory organs to the brain. This system is in control when the body is at rest. It is also the part of the nervous system that regulates internal processes such as increased and decreased heart rates as a response to stimuli, secretion of digestive fluids, and the body’s reaction to stress.

Children suffering from nerve damage may benefit from engaging in activities that involve the development of fine motor skills.
Children suffering from nerve damage may benefit from engaging in activities that involve the development of fine motor skills.

Trauma or injury to the spinal cord or brain can affect both the peripheral and the central nervous system. Disease can also affect the nervous system, and some often present with symptoms affecting the peripheral nervous system. Damage or disease to the central nervous system is often more serious than damage to the peripheral nerves. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases or disorders affecting the nervous system.

Discussion Comments

Georgesplane

Drugs have a profound effect on the human nervous system. Opiates like heroin, Oxycontin, and morphine depress both the somatic and autonomous nervous system. Downers can make your skin temperature change, and generally affect all of your main senses. It can also depress your fight or flight response causing a delayed response to risk and danger.

Opiates can also cause the body to neglect autonomous responses like breathing. Your body literally forgets to tell itself to inhale. I have worked closely with drug addicts, and I have witnessed an overdose first hand (luckily doctors were able to revive that person with Narcan). It is not a pretty sight to see someone unable to breath, open her eyes, and literally fade out in front of you.

anon58241

Here in England the N.H.S says there is no cure if it is your genes.

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    • The peripheral nervous system is spread across the entire body.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      The peripheral nervous system is spread across the entire body.
    • Children suffering from nerve damage may benefit from engaging in activities that involve the development of fine motor skills.
      By: Petro Feketa
      Children suffering from nerve damage may benefit from engaging in activities that involve the development of fine motor skills.
    • The somatic nervous system controls involuntary actions such as blinking.
      By: Jasmin Merdan
      The somatic nervous system controls involuntary actions such as blinking.
    • Neurologists are typically called upon to diagnose and treat disorders of the peripheral nervous system.
      By: s_l
      Neurologists are typically called upon to diagnose and treat disorders of the peripheral nervous system.
    • The peripheral nervous system is comprised of nerves and neurons that transmit information to and from the brain.
      By: designua
      The peripheral nervous system is comprised of nerves and neurons that transmit information to and from the brain.
    • Trauma to the spinal cord can affect the PNS.
      By: pankajstock123
      Trauma to the spinal cord can affect the PNS.