Summary The Peripheral Nervous System and Autonomic System

The Peripheral Nervous System and Autonomic System

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS):
● The PNS includes the somatic and autonomic systems.
● The somatic system controls voluntary movement of skeletal muscles.
● The autonomic system controls involuntary glandular secretions and the
functions of smooth and cardiac muscle.

Somatic System:
● The somatic system includes pairs of cranial nerves and spinal nerves, all of
which are myelinated.
● Peripheral sensory neurons carry information about the external environment
from receptors in the skin, tendons, and skeletal muscles to the CNS (central
nervous system).
● Peripheral motor neurons carry information away from the CNS to the skeletal
muscles.




Autonomic System:
● The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions and is under
automatic or involuntary control.