Peripheral Nervous System

Definition

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the part of the nervous system that consists of the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Related terms

Somatic Nervous System:

This is a component of the PNS associated with voluntary control over body movements via skeletal muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System:

Another component of PNS, it controls involuntary actions such as heartbeat or digestion.

Ganglia: These are nerve cell clusters or structures located in the PNS that transmit sensory and motor signals to/from central nervous system.