Definition:
The peripheral nervous system consists of all of the nerves that exist outside of the central nervous system (CNS) (i.e., the brain and spinal cord). The peripheral nervous system regulates sensation, movement, and organ function by sending information from the CNS out to the various body systems, and relaying information from these body systems back to the CNS.
The peripheral nervous system is made up of made up of two main divisions: The autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system regulates the functioning of the organs, while the somatic nervous system controls movement and sensation.
