GLOSSARY

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) comprises all nervous tissue outside the brain and spinal cord: the 12 pairs of cranial nerves, 31 pairs of spinal nerves, ganglia, and sensory receptors; it connects the CNS with the skin, muscles, and organs.

Divisions

• Afferent (sensory) division: carries information from receptors to the CNS.
• Efferent (motor) division:
• Somatic: voluntary control of skeletal muscle.
• Autonomic: involuntary control of the heart, smooth muscle, and glands, comprising the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric systems.

Characteristics