The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is divided into four functional divisions based on the reference provided.
Divisions of the Peripheral Nervous System
| Division | Description | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Somatic Sensory Division | Carries sensory information from the skin, skeletal muscles, joints, and special senses to the central nervous system (CNS). | Relays sensations like touch, pain, and proprioception. |
| Somatic Motor Division | Transmits motor commands from the CNS to skeletal muscles. | Controls voluntary movements and reflexes involving skeletal muscles. |
| Visceral Sensory Division | Carries sensory information from the internal organs (viscera) to the CNS. | Relays sensations from internal organs like stomach fullness or heart rate changes. |
| Visceral Motor Division (Autonomic Nervous System) | Transmits motor commands from the CNS to smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands. | Controls involuntary functions like digestion, heart rate, and glandular secretions. |
As stated in the reference, the peripheral nervous system is divided into the somatic nervous system and the visceral nervous system. Each of these systems has a sensory and motor division. The visceral motor division is also known as the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, the four divisions are Somatic Sensory, Somatic Motor, Visceral Sensory, and Visceral Motor (Autonomic).
