Types of Nervous Systems: (PNS) nerve throughout the body

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The human nervous system is broadly divided into two main parts:

1. Central Nervous System (CNS)
 • Consists of the brain and spinal cord.
 • Acts as the control center for processing information and directing responses.

2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
 • Extends throughout the body, linking the CNS to limbs and organs.
 • Is comprised of all the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord.
 
The PNS itself is further subdivided into two major parts:

A. Somatic Nervous System
 • Controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.
 • Relays sensory information (such as touch, pain, temperature, and position) from the body to the CNS.

B. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
 • Manages involuntary body functions (like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate).
 • Is subdivided into:
  1. Sympathetic Nervous System – Often described as the "fight or flight" system, it prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations.
  2. Parasympathetic Nervous System – Often referred to as the "rest and digest" system, it helps conserve energy and supports routine maintenance activities.
  3. (In some texts, a third branch referred to as the Enteric Nervous System is discussed – it directly governs the function of the gastrointestinal system, sometimes considered part of the ANS.)

In summary, while the CNS processes and integrates information, the PNS distributes signals to and from the whole body, ensuring that every part of your body receives instructions and can send sensory information back to the brain.
The nervous system has two main parts: the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, which process information. The PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body and is divided into the Somatic Nervous System, which controls voluntary movements, and the Autonomic Nervous System, which manages involuntary functions like heart rate and digestion. The Autonomic Nervous System further splits into the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic systems, which handle "fight or flight" and "rest and digest" responses, respectively.

Types of Nervous Systems: (PNS) nerve throughout the body

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