Peripheral nervous system

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The Peripheral nervous system, or PNS, is part of the nervous system, and consists of the nerves and neurons that are outside the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and serve the limbs and organs, for example.

The PNS is not protected by bone like the central nervous system. Therefore it is exposed to toxins and mechanical injuries. The peripheral nervous system is divided into the somatic nervous system (SNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). But the enteric nervous system (ENS) can be seen as a third branch of its own and not as part of the autonomic nervous system.

• The SNS coordinates your bodies movement, receving external stimuli, and regulates everything under concious control.
• The ANS controls all automatic actions. That means that it controls all reflexes and actions during sleep.
• The ENS controls the gastrointestinal system.