What does the peripheral nervous system consist of?

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) plays a crucial role in connecting the central nervous system (CNS), which is composed of the brain and spinal cord, to the rest of the body. It consists of both motor and sensory nerves, which are responsible for transmitting signals to and from various organs and tissues.

Motor nerves in the PNS facilitate movement by carrying impulses from the CNS to the muscles, allowing for voluntary and involuntary actions. Conversely, sensory nerves gather information from the sensory receptors throughout the body and transmit that data back to the CNS for processing. This comprehensive system enables the body to respond appropriately to stimuli and maintain homeostasis.

The other options provided do not fully encompass the scope of the peripheral nervous system. Some mention only one type of nerve (either sensory or motor) or incorrectly include parts of the central nervous system, which are not classified as part of the peripheral nervous system. Thus, recognizing that the PNS includes all motor and sensory nerves throughout the body is essential for understanding its function and structure within the nervous system.