Peripharal Nervous System
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is one of the two major divisions of the nervous system, the other being the central nervous system (CNS). The PNS consists of all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord that extend throughout the body. It is responsible for transmitting information from the body to the CNS and vice versa, allowing for communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Parts of Peripheral Nervous System
The PNS can be further divided into two main components:
- The somatic nervous system
- The autonomic nervous system.
The Somatic Nervous System is responsible for controlling voluntary movements and sensations.
while the Autonomic Nervous System controls involuntary processes such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration.
Somatic Nervous System
The Somatic Nervous System consists of sensory neurons, which carry information from the body's sensory receptors to the CNS, and motor neurons, which carry information from the CNS to the muscles that control movement.
The Somatic Nervous System allows us to consciously control our movements and respond to our environment. For example, when we touch a hot stove, sensory neurons in our skin send a signal to our spinal cord, which then sends a signal to the muscles in our arm to quickly pull away from the stove.
Autonomic nervous system
The Autonomic Nervous System is further divided into
- The sympathetic nervous system
- The parasympathetic nervous system
The Sympathetic Nervous System is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response, which prepares the body for action in response to a perceived threat. This response includes an increase in heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure, as well as a decrease in digestive and immune system activity.
The Parasympathetic Nervous System, on the other hand, is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" response, which slows down bodily functions and conserves energy.
Function of PNS
The PNS also includes sensory receptors, such as those for touch, temperature, and pain, which are located throughout the body.
These receptors send information to the CNS, which then processes and interprets the information. This allows us to perceive the world around us and respond appropriately.
The PNS is vital for the proper functioning of the body, as it allows for communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Disorders of the PNS
PNS abnormality can lead to a range of symptoms, including numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain.
Conditions that affect the PNS include peripheral neuropathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Conclusion
The Peripheral Nervous System plays a crucial role in the functioning of the human body. It allows for communication between the brain and the rest of the body, and controls both voluntary and involuntary processes. Understanding the PNS and its components is essential for understanding how the body works and for diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system.
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