Abstract

When we think of the nervous system, most of us instinctively picture the brain—the organ that controls thought, memory, emotions, and decision-making. But the nervous system extends far beyond the brain, with another critical network known as the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This intricate system of nerves plays an essential role in transmitting signals between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body, allowing for movement, sensation, and a host of involuntary functions. Understanding the peripheral nervous system’s structure and function is vital to appreciating how our bodies operate smoothly in everyday life, as well as recognizing what happens when things go wrong.