key term - Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

Definition

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is a part of the nervous system that consists of nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord. It connects the central nervous system (CNS) to limbs and organs, essentially serving as a communication relay back and forth between the brain and the extremities.

Related terms

Central Nervous System (CNS): The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord where information is processed.

Neurons:

The basic working units of every nervous system, neurons are cells that transmit nerve impulses between parts of the nervous system.

Sensory Receptors:

Specialized neurons or neuronal structures that respond to changes in the environment by converting energy from a specific stimulus into an electrical signal