The two main systems of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) are the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
Breakdown of the PNS Systems
| System | Function | Components | Control | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somatic Nervous System | Transmits sensory information and controls voluntary movements. | Sensory and motor neurons | Conscious/Voluntary | Moving your arm, feeling the texture of an object. |
| Autonomic Nervous System | Regulates involuntary bodily functions. | Sympathetic, parasympathetic, enteric branches | Involuntary | Digestion, heart rate, breathing. |
Somatic Nervous System
- The somatic nervous system is responsible for our conscious interactions with the outside world.
- It manages sensory information from the senses (touch, sight, hearing, etc.) and sends motor commands to skeletal muscles for voluntary movements.
- Examples include walking, writing, and talking.
- It involves conscious control and awareness of these actions.
Autonomic Nervous System
- The autonomic nervous system controls vital functions of the body that are not under our conscious control.
- This includes regulating heart rate, digestion, breathing, and other essential functions.
- It has three branches:
- Sympathetic branch prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses.
- Parasympathetic branch regulates “rest and digest” functions.
- Enteric branch manages digestion within the gastrointestinal tract.
- These functions operate automatically without the need for conscious thought.
In summary, the PNS's two main divisions, the somatic and autonomic systems, coordinate both our voluntary interactions with the environment and the involuntary functions crucial for maintaining life.
