PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (PNS) | PRACTICE QUESTIONS, ANSWERS &
STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)? - correct answer ✔✔any part of nervous system
that comes from CNS (brain & spinal cord). Includes all the nerves in the body that lie outside of
the spinal cord and brain
What 2 parts make up the PNS? - correct answer ✔✔Somatic Nervous System (SNS)
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
What is the role of the somatic nervous system? - correct answer ✔✔Controls voluntary or
conscious activity
What is the role of the Autonomic nervous system? - correct answer ✔✔Controls involuntary or
unconscious activity e.g. breathing
What makes up the Autonomic NS? - correct answer ✔✔Cardiac muscle
Smooth muscle
Glands
Define nerves - correct answer ✔✔Cord-like structures consisting of bundles of axons (&
associated neuroglia) OUTSIDE of CNS
Define epineurium - correct answer ✔✔The outermost layer of dense irregular connective
tissue surrounding a peripheral nerve. It usually surrounds multiple nerve fascicles as well as
blood vessels which supply the nerve. Epineurium is continuous with dura mater of CNS.
, What are nerves surrounded by? - correct answer ✔✔Connective tissue (epineurium being the
outmost layer) & blood vessels.
Define fascicles - correct answer ✔✔Bundles of axons (makes up neurons)
Define tract - correct answer ✔✔A bundle of neurons inside the CNS.
How are nerves classified? - correct answer ✔✔Based on their origin - either 1 of 2:
Cranial Nerve or
Spinal nerve
Define neuron - correct answer ✔✔a specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.
List the 3 types of neurons that can be present in a nerve - correct answer ✔✔Sensory nerve
Motor nerve
Mixed nerve - sensory & motor (all spinal nerves)
How many cranial nerves are there? - correct answer ✔✔12 numbered pairs
Define cranial nerve - correct answer ✔✔nerves inside the cranial cavity, directly connected to
the brain (bypass spine)
Where are cranial nerves located? - correct answer ✔✔Visible on the front of the brain (ventral
surface)
3 types of cranial nerves - correct answer ✔✔Sensory
Motor
STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027
What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)? - correct answer ✔✔any part of nervous system
that comes from CNS (brain & spinal cord). Includes all the nerves in the body that lie outside of
the spinal cord and brain
What 2 parts make up the PNS? - correct answer ✔✔Somatic Nervous System (SNS)
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
What is the role of the somatic nervous system? - correct answer ✔✔Controls voluntary or
conscious activity
What is the role of the Autonomic nervous system? - correct answer ✔✔Controls involuntary or
unconscious activity e.g. breathing
What makes up the Autonomic NS? - correct answer ✔✔Cardiac muscle
Smooth muscle
Glands
Define nerves - correct answer ✔✔Cord-like structures consisting of bundles of axons (&
associated neuroglia) OUTSIDE of CNS
Define epineurium - correct answer ✔✔The outermost layer of dense irregular connective
tissue surrounding a peripheral nerve. It usually surrounds multiple nerve fascicles as well as
blood vessels which supply the nerve. Epineurium is continuous with dura mater of CNS.
, What are nerves surrounded by? - correct answer ✔✔Connective tissue (epineurium being the
outmost layer) & blood vessels.
Define fascicles - correct answer ✔✔Bundles of axons (makes up neurons)
Define tract - correct answer ✔✔A bundle of neurons inside the CNS.
How are nerves classified? - correct answer ✔✔Based on their origin - either 1 of 2:
Cranial Nerve or
Spinal nerve
Define neuron - correct answer ✔✔a specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.
List the 3 types of neurons that can be present in a nerve - correct answer ✔✔Sensory nerve
Motor nerve
Mixed nerve - sensory & motor (all spinal nerves)
How many cranial nerves are there? - correct answer ✔✔12 numbered pairs
Define cranial nerve - correct answer ✔✔nerves inside the cranial cavity, directly connected to
the brain (bypass spine)
Where are cranial nerves located? - correct answer ✔✔Visible on the front of the brain (ventral
surface)
3 types of cranial nerves - correct answer ✔✔Sensory
Motor
