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Peripheral Nervous System
Relay’s information to and from the central nervous system. The peripheral nerves transmit voluntary and involuntary actions. The nerves and nerve cells outside of the central nervous system make up the peripheral nervous system whose task is to relay information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body and from the body to back to the brain and spinal cord.
The peripheral nervous system consists of:
- 12 pairs of cranial nerves, these emerge from the brain and mainly serve the head and neck.
- 31 pairs of spinal nerves, these branch off from the spinal cord and supply the rest of the body.
With the help of the peripheral nerves a person is able to carry out voluntary and involuntary actions.
Voluntary actions such as:
- Clapping the hands.
- Picking up a mug.
Are voluntary actions and the person is conscious of what they are doing. The brain receives nerve impulses and analyses them before the person decides what to do next.
Involuntary actions such as:
- The heart beats.
- The intestines digest.
Are regulated by the autonomic nervous system. (This sub set of the peripheral nervous system ensures that all of the internal organs and glands function smoothly).