Which part of the nervous system includes nerves and is not part of the brain and spinal cord?

• A. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
• B. Central Nervous System (CNS)
• C. Autonomic Nervous System
• D. Somatic Nervous System

Answer: (A)

Think of the nervous system as two big regions: the Central Nervous System, which is the brain and spinal cord, and the Peripheral Nervous System, which includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. The Peripheral Nervous System carries signals between the CNS and the rest of the body, and it includes cranial and spinal nerves as well as two major subdivisions: the Somatic Nervous System, which controls voluntary movements, and the Autonomic Nervous System, which handles involuntary functions like heartbeat and digestion. Because this part includes nerves and is not part of the brain or spinal cord, the Peripheral Nervous System is the best fit. The Central Nervous System is the brain and spinal cord themselves, while the Autonomic and Somatic systems are divisions within the Peripheral Nervous System.