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Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is all the nerves and ganglia outside the CNS. It acts as the communication network between the CNS and the rest of the body. The PNS carries sensory information from the body to the CNS and motor instructions from the CNS to muscles and glands. It includes cranial nerves (to the head and neck) and spinal nerves (to the rest of the body).

Key points:

  • Links the CNS to the body

  • Carries sensory information to the CNS

  • Carries motor instructions from the CNS to effectors

  • Includes the Somatic NS (voluntary control) and the Autonomic NS (involuntary control)