Peripheral Nervous System (Pns) - GCSE Biology Definition

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is the part of the nervous system that includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. It connects the Central Nervous System (CNS) to the rest of the body, including muscles, organs, and sensory receptors. The PNS carries messages between the CNS and the body, helping to control movement and respond to sensory information such as touch or temperature. It is divided into two parts: the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements and reflexes, and the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion.