The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is one of two components that make up the nervous system of bilateral animals, with the other part being the central nervous system (CNS). The PNS consists of nerves and ganglia, which lie outside the brain and the spinal cord. The main function of the PNS is to connect the CNS to the limbs and organs, essentially serving as a relay between the brain and spinal cord, and the rest of the body. Unlike the CNS, the PNS is not protected by the vertebral column and skull, or by the blood–brain barrier, which leaves it exposed to toxins. In this article, we shall discuss the peripheral nervous system and how it functions.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is made up of two divisions: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic system. Each part of this system plays a vital role in how information is communicated throughout the body.
This article discusses what the peripheral nervous system is, how it works, and the influence that it has on how the body functions, including what happens when there is a problem affecting the PNS.
Table of Contents
What Is the Peripheral Nervous System?
The nervous system is divided into two parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system includes all of the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord and extend to other parts of the body, including muscles and organs.
The primary role of the PNS is to connect the CNS to the organs, limbs, and skin. The nerves of the PNS extend from the central nervous system to the outermost areas of the body. The peripheral system allows the brain and spinal cord to receive and send information to other areas of the body, which allows us to react to stimuli in our environment.
The four primary functions of the PNS are to:
- Control autonomic body functions
- Control motor movements
- Digestion
- Relay sensory information to the central nervous system
Examples of processes controlled by the peripheral nervous system include dilating or constricting the pupils in response to light, stimulating digestion, activating the sweat response, controlling blood flow, and regulating heart rate.
The nerves that make up the peripheral nervous system are the axons or bundles of axons from nerve cells or neurons. In some cases, these nerves are very small, but some nerve bundles are so large that they can be seen by the human eye.
Structures of the Peripheral Nervous System
The peripheral nervous system itself is divided into two parts: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. Each of these components plays a critical role in how the peripheral nervous system operates.
The Somatic Nervous System
The somatic system is the part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for carrying sensory and motor information to and from the central nervous system. The somatic nervous system derives its name from the Greek word soma, which means “body.”
The somatic system is responsible for transmitting sensory information as well as controlling voluntary movement. This system contains two major types of neurons:
- Motor neurons: Also called efferent neurons, motor neurons carry information from the brain and spinal cord to muscle fibers throughout the body. These motor neurons allow us to take physical action in response to stimuli in the environment.
- Sensory neurons: Also called afferent neurons, sensory neurons carry information from the nerves to the central nervous system. The sensory neurons allow us to take in sensory information and send it to the brain and spinal cord.
The Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic system is the part of the peripheral nervous system that’s responsible for regulating involuntary body functions, such as blood flow, heartbeat, digestion, and breathing.
In other words, it is the autonomic system that controls aspects of the body that are usually not under voluntary control. This system allows these functions to take place without needing to consciously think about them happening. The autonomic system is further divided into two branches:
- Sympathetic system: By regulating the flight-or-fight response, the sympathetic system prepares the body to expend energy to respond to environmental threats. When action is needed, the sympathetic system triggers a response by accelerating the heart rate, increasing the breathing rate, boosting blood flow to muscles, activating sweat secretion, and dilating the pupils.
- Parasympathetic system: This helps maintain normal body functions and conserve physical resources. Once a threat has passed, this system will slow the heart rate, slow breathing, reduce blood flow to muscles, and constrict the pupils. This allows the body to return to a normal resting state.
Recap
The PNS is made up of two divisions: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The somatic system contains sensory and motor neurons. It sends and receives sensory information and motor signals. The autonomic system is responsible for regulating involuntary body functions.
Nerves in the Peripheral Nervous System
The PNS is composed of nerves that are responsible for carrying signals between the central nervous system and the parts of the body that lie outside the CNS. This includes information from the senses, organs, and muscles.
The axons of these nerve cells are bundled together and can be found throughout the body. Information is received by the dendrites of these cells, the information travels down the axon to the cell body. The message can then be communicated to other cells.
The nerves that make up the peripheral nervous system connect with either the spinal cord or brain to transmit information to the CNS.
PNS Nerves
The main nerves that make up the peripheral nervous system include:
- Brachial plexus
- Femoral nerve
- Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
- Peroneal nerve
- Sciatic nerve
- Spinal accessory nerve
- Tibial nerve
Spinal Nerves
Spinal nerves are responsible for transmitting information from the muscles, organs, and glands to the spinal cord. 31 spinal nerves branch out to different areas of the body from the spinal cord.
Cranial Nerves
The cranial nerves are responsible for the receptors found in the head and neck area. Instead of connecting with the spinal cord, these nerves travel directly to the brain. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves that transmit motor and sensory information from areas including the face, mouth, eyes, nose, and ears.
Recap
The PNS is made up of cranial nerves that connect directly with the brain and spinal nerves that connect with the spinal cord.
Diseases of the Peripheral Nervous System
Several diseases and disorders can affect the peripheral nervous system. Problems with the sensory and motor neurons in the PNS can result in changes in sensation, muscle weakness, or muscle paralysis.
Some of the conditions that can affect the PNS include:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Diabetes
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Lupus
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Peripheral nerve injuries
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Tumors
- Vitamin deficiency
Symptoms of PNS diseases and disorders can include numbness, pain, tingling, burning, sensitivity to touch, and muscle weakness.
Recap
Disorders, injuries, toxins, and viruses can cause problems with the peripheral nervous system. Such conditions can lead to symptoms related to sensation, muscle strength, and muscle control.
Treatment for PNS Conditions
Treatment for peripheral nerve problems depends on the cause and focuses on treating the underlying disorder and offering supportive care. For example, some PNS conditions may be caused by injury while others may be related to underlying health conditions, viruses, toxins, or genetic disorders.
In addition to treating conditions that may be causing dysfunction or damage to PNS nerves, treatment may also involve surgery, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, and respiratory support.
In summary, the peripheral nervous system plays a critical role in motor and sensory function. If you are experiencing symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, loss of sensation, or sensitivity, talk to a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
I hope you find this article helpful as well as interesting.
