Peripheral Nervous System​: UGC NET Notes and Study Materials

The Peripheral Nervous System is the most prominent part of the nervous system because it connects the CNS to limbs and organs. All nerves outside the brain and spinal cord form the PNS, which bridges the CNS with the rest of the body and offers a channel for communication. The PNS is further divided into two major subsystems. The somatic nervous system governs voluntary movements, whereas the autonomic nervous system commands involuntary functions. This system has several major functions, including role in sensory perception, motor control, and regulation of various bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion. Information about the PNS helps in understanding the response of the body to stimuli and maintaining homeostasis.

Peripheral Nervous System is a vital topic to be studied for the psychology related exam such as the UGC NET Psychology.

In this article the readers will be able to know about the following:

• What is the Peripheral Nervous System
• Types of Peripheral Nervous System
• Difference Between Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System

What is the Peripheral Nervous System?

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is simply that component of the nervous system that represents the link between the central nervous system (CNS) and the rest of the body. All the nerves and ganglia are present outside the brain and spinal cord, thus allowing communication between CNS and peripheral organs. The PNS is subdivided into two divisions. One of the divisions controls all voluntary movements, referred to as the somatic nervous system. The other division controls most involuntary functions, such as heart rate and digestion, referred to as the autonomic nervous system. The system is very important for processing sensory information to be coordinated with the motor response of the body. Overall, this is the most important division in terms of maintaining functions of the body and enabling interaction with the environment.

Types of Peripheral Nervous System

The Peripheral Nervous System classifies several types that vary in how they serve as the basic functions and transmit information to the central nervous system and the rest of the body. In this regard, there are two main divisions; the somatic nervous system is one of them, and the other is referred to as the autonomic nervous system with different physiological purposes.

Somatic Nervous System

The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movement and transmits sensory information to the central nervous system. It is associated with motor neurons that facilitate activation of the skeletal muscles, enabling movements like walking and writing to be consciously controlled. In addition, there are sensory neurons that present information regarding external stimuli, including touch and temperature.

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary body functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, independent of conscious control. It is further subdivided into the sympathetic nervous system, which readies the body for "fight or flight" activities during times of stress, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which causes "rest and digest" activities and conserves the body's energy while maintaining homeostasis.

Difference Between Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System

CNS and PNS are the two main divisions of the nervous system, together working to establish communication all over the body. While CNS is said to be the center of command that processes information and generates appropriate responses to it, the PNS supervises a connection of CNS to limbs and organs for interaction with the environment.

Conclusion

The Peripheral Nervous System plays an important role in the complete functioning of a human by bringing about the integration of the brain and the spinal cord with peripheral organs. By coordinating volitional and involuntary activity, it makes interaction with the environment responsive and adaptive. Injuries of PNS lead to a plethora of disorders affecting sensory and motor functions and, therefore, are of significant interest. Ongoing studies and research in the area of medicine continue to evolve the understanding of the PNS, which benefits in the betterment of treatment forms related to the disorders. This places the PNS at a core position in maintaining the delicate harmony of human functions and responding to changes out there in the world.

Peripheral Nervous System is a vital topic for several competitive exams. It would help if you learned other similar topics with the Testbook App.