Peripheral Nervous System Flashcards

Peripheral Nervous System

Nerves

• Composed of bundles of axons from different neurons, protected by connective tissue.

Types of Nerves (by Function)

• Sensory nerves: Transmit impulses from receptors (part of the PNS) to the CNS.
• Motor nerves: Transmit impulses from the CNS to effectors.
• Mixed nerves: Contain both sensory and motor nerves, transmitting impulses in both directions.

Types of Nerves (by Location)

• Cranial nerves:
  • There are 12 pairs.
  • Distributed around the head, neck, and some areas of the digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems.
  • Connect the brain directly to these organs, bypassing the spinal cord.
• Spinal nerves:
  • There are 31 pairs.
  • Connect the spinal cord with the torso and limbs.
  • Divided into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal sections.

Subsystems of the PNS

• Somatic Nervous System
• Autonomic (or Vegetative) Nervous System