Final answer:
The peripheral nervous system contains all neurons and glia outside of the CNS and includes nerves throughout the body. It is divided into autonomic and sensory-somatic systems to handle involuntary functions and sensory-motor tasks. The exact count of nerves varies, but the system includes numerous nerves.
Step-by-step explanation:
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) comprises all the neurons and glial cells that exist outside the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. The PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body and includes both the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions, and the sensory-somatic nervous system, which transmits sensory and motor information. The exact number of nerves in the PNS is not specified as it can vary among individuals, but it consists of numerous nerves that innervate the organs, limbs, and skin.
These nerves include those of the hands, arms, feet, legs, trunk, scalp, neck, and face, as well as those that interact with the internal organs. A nerve is essentially a bundle of axons, and the PNS can be further divided into sensory and motor divisions, which handle incoming sensory data and outgoing motor commands, respectively. Notable within the PNS is the sciatic nerve , which is the longest nerve in the human body.