Final answer:
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the network of nerves extending throughout the body, connecting the central nervous system to limbs and organs. It includes the autonomic and sensory-somatic nervous systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is the branching network of nerves that reaches into the rest of your body. It serves as a communication line between the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the rest of the body. The PNS includes various divisions and subdivisions that transmit nerve impulses to and from the CNS.
The peripheral nervous system comprises two main parts: the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary body functions like heart rate and digestion, and the sensory-somatic nervous system, which manages the transmission of sensory information and motor commands. The autonomic nervous system can be further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which usually have opposing effects on target organs.