Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): This part of the nervous system exists outside the brain and spinal cord. It serves as one of the two primary divisions of the nervous system, with the other being the Central Nervous System (CNS), which consists of the brain and spinal cord. The PNS connects the CNS to sensory organs, like the eyes and ears, as well as to other organs, muscles, blood vessels, and glands. It comprises 12 cranial nerves, spinal nerves and roots, and autonomic nerves. The autonomic nerves manage involuntary bodily functions, playing a role in regulating the heart, the small muscles in blood vessel walls, and glands. In both language and medicine, "peripheral" contrasts with "central," meaning located away from the center. The term "peripheral" is derived from the Greek "peripheria," combining "peri-" (around or about) and "pherein" (to bear or carry). An IV (intravenous) line is an example of a peripheral line.
