peripheral nervous system

pars peripherica

A major division of the nervous system that contains nerves which connect the central nervous system (CNS) with sensory organs, other organs, muscles, blood vessels and glands.

Type Muscle
Body System Nervous
Latin Name pars peripherica
FMA ID 9903

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the peripheral nervous system and what does it include?
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) encompasses all neural tissue outside the brain and spinal cord. It includes cranial nerves (12 pairs), spinal nerves (31 pairs), ganglia, and sensory receptors, and is divided into somatic and autonomic divisions.
How does the PNS differ from the central nervous system?
The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord, which process and integrate information. The PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body, transmitting sensory signals inward (afferent) and motor commands outward (efferent).
Can peripheral nerves regenerate after injury?
Unlike CNS neurons, peripheral nerves have significant regenerative capacity. Schwann cells in the PNS create a regenerative environment, and severed axons can regrow along the preserved myelin sheaths at approximately 1-3 mm per day, enabling partial or complete functional recovery.

Related Structures

accessory nucleus of optic tract nuclei accessorii tractus optici accessory pretectal nucleus APN aggregate regional part of brain set of nuclei of neuraxis alar plate midbrain amiculum of dentate nucleus amiculum nuclei dentati amiculum of inferior olive ami ampulla caudalis ansa peduncularis ansa peduncularis in thalamo

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Educational Disclaimer

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.