Peripheral Nervous System
Now, there are a very large number of bodily movements, having their source in our nervous system, that do not possess the character of conscious actions - Wilhelm Wundt
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The peripheral nervous system
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) represents a highly heterogeneous entity with a broad range of functions, ranging from providing communication between the brain and the body to controlling development, stem cell niches and regenerative processes. According to the structure and function, the PNS can be subdivided into sensory, motor (i.e. the nerve fibers of motor neurons), autonomic and enteric domains. Different types of neurons correspond to these domains and recent progress in single-cell transcriptomics has enabled the discovery of new neuronal subtypes and improved the previous cell-type classifications.
Articles of Interest
Peripheral Nervous System Agents
Drugs that act principally at one or more sites within the peripheral neuroeffector systems, the autonomic system, and motor nerve-skeletal system.
New Methods Could Speed Up Repair Of Injured Nerves
When a nerve is injured, it's often hard to get it to regrow fast enough to restore function. But now researchers say they can speed up that process, so that damaged nerves can be healed in days instead of months — at least in rats.
Peripheral nervous system works to reflexively control the Body
In addition to the central nervous system components (brain and spinal cord), the nervous system has a peripheral component, made up of the cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and autonomic nervous system. The cranial nerves (12 pairs) and the autonomic nervous system have their origins in the cranium and are therefore closely associated with the central nervous system. The spinal nerves (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, coccygeal) are relevant to the anatomical areas they innervate.
The Body
With no bones to protect it, the peripheral nervous system is the most exposed part of the nervous system and responsible for sending sensory signals such as touch and pain to the brain, while motor signals are conveyed from the brain to the muscles. Sometimes these signals can get confused, such as when a nerve has been compressed by lying on it. This is what pins and needles is.
The peripheral nervous system | Anatomy snippets
The main function of the PNS is to connect the CNS to the limbs and organs, essentially serving as a communication point between the brain, spinal cord and the rest of the body. The peripheral nervous system is made up of three main types of nerves, each with its own specific function:
What Are Peripheral Nerves?
The peripheral nervous system is made up of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. The somatic nervous system carries sensory information to and from the CNS. It includes two types of neurons: Sensory (afferent neurons) neurons carry information from our muscles to the CNS. Motor (efferent neurons) neurons carry information from our brain and spinal cord to the muscles to help execute physical functions.
What is the Peripheral Nervous System?
There are two peripheral nervous systems: the somatic nervous system (SNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The SNS is responsible for voluntary movements and sensory information from the environment. It also controls involuntary motor reflexes.
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Health Engine
The PNS can be divided into two components – the afferent division and the efferent division. The efferent division sends information from the nervous system to the organs of the body which then carry out the appropriate response. The efferent division is generally a link between the central nervous system and the effector organs so that the CNS can regulate the various responses.
