Introduction to What Peripheral Nervous System
In this article on the nervous system, students will learn about the functions, parts, and disorders of the peripheral nervous system. But first, let us understand what a nerve is.
A nerve is basically a bundle of fibers that are composed of cord-like structures called neurons. So now, what are neurons? The body of a neuron is located in the central nervous system which has a body and an axon out of which the axon is embedded in the muscles and sensory organs. Therefore, a nerve sends electrical and chemical signals through these neurons to send sensory or motor information from one part of the body to another. Nerves are the main components of the entire peripheral nervous system.
The function and communication system of the body is controlled by the nervous system. There are two parts of the nervous system; these are the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. The nerves, spinal cord, and ganglia are included in the peripheral nervous system. This nervous system serves as the link between the central nervous system, limbs, and organs. There are two kinds of nerve fibers which are known as afferent and efferent fibers. It connects the brain, spinal cord with the body. The response and information are brought from the brain and spinal cord to CNS via the pathway of the nervous system.
Peripheral Nervous System Location
The components of the peripheral nervous system are the nerves and ganglia that are present outside the spinal cord and the brain.
Peripheral Nervous System Function
Organs and limbs are connected to the central nervous system, essentially assisting as a relay between the spinal cord, the brain, and the rest of the body which is the main function of the PNS.
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Classification of Peripheral Nervous System
The two parts of the peripheral nervous system are named the Somatic Nervous System and the Autonomic Nervous System.
1. Somatic Nervous System- The impulse is transferred to skeletal muscles from the central nervous system via the help of the Somatic Nervous System. Cranial and spinal nerves are also termed as the major components of the Somatic Nervous System. It is responsible for carrying messages from the outer area of the body.
The somatic nervous system is made up of two kinds of neurons, one type is called the sensory neurons or afferent neurons and the other kind is known as motor neurons or efferent neurons. The afferent neurons are responsible for transmitting messages to the central nervous system where the data is then processed while the afferent neurons are responsible for relaying information from the central nervous system to different parts of the body via muscles.
Cranial Nerves- These nerves are found to emerge from the brain. From the brain, around 12 pairs of cranial nerves emerge. The names of all 12 cranial nerves are as follows: Olfactory nerve, Optic nerve, Oculomotor nerve, Trochlear nerves, Trigeminal nerves, Abducens nerves, Facial nerve, Vestibulocochlear nerve, Glossopharyngeal nerve, Vagus nerve, Accessory nerve, Hypoglossal nerve.
Spinal Nerves- They emerge from the spinal cord. This nerve has thirty-one pairs. They move towards the area of ventral and dorsal roots. Between two roots, there is a junction where the sensory fibers and the motor fibers continue into the dorsal root and ventral root respectively.
2. Autonomic Nervous System- The response which comes from the central nervous system is passed on to the smooth muscles and involuntary organs of the body via the pathway of the autonomic nervous system. It also has two further divisions which are known as the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Sympathetic Nervous System- There are nerves that arise from the spinal cord. It is found to be located between the neck and the waist region. Adrenalin is responsible for stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. It is responsible for preparing the body against all the violent actions which can take place during the abnormal conditions of the body.
Parasympathetic Nervous System- The location of the parasympathetic nervous system is anterior in the neck and head. On the other side, the location of the posterior is the sacral region. This nervous system is totally responsible for re-establishing the normal condition in the body when the violent action gets over.
Role of the Peripheral Nervous System
The internal homeostasis is regulated by this nervous system.The release of secretions from exocrine glands is controlled by the peripheral nervous system.The brain and the spinal cord are connected to the body and the outer environment through the pathway of the peripheral nervous system. It works as a connecting link between the central nervous system, organs, skin, and limbs of the body. The complex behavior and movements are controlled by the peripheral nervous system. When any kind of sensation is felt within any part of the body then it’s carried to the CNS by the help of the skin’s sensory receptor. Then the signal is taken to the sensory organs.Involuntary muscles are found to be controlled by autonomic motor cells.
Disorder of the Peripheral Nervous System
Around a hundred kinds of disorders can happen in the peripheral nervous system. One or more nerves can be affected due to this. Some diseases like Guillain-Barre syndrome, diabetic nerve problems, thoracic outlet syndrome, etc can be the result of other diseases or virus infection. Sometimes, an injury can cause problems like complex regional pain syndrome. In some cases, the disorder can be found to be caused due to genetic inheritance. These kinds of disorder symptoms become unnoticeable but get worse quickly. Individuals should practice regular exercises and yoga in order to cure such disorders as it will help in reducing pain.
Treating Damage of Nerves
Although treatment and cure of damaged nerves is in high demand, it cannot be healed completely. There are various treatments available to reduce the severity and symptoms of nerve damage but it is not completely useful. One should always consult a doctor if the nerve damage is often too progressive as it may lead to irreversible damage if left untreated and untended. But there are a few things that one can do that might help lessen the pain.
Vitamins: Deficiency of Vitamin B can lead to nerve damage so it is advisable to take sufficient amounts of vitamin B through foods. Vitamin D is also helpful to prevent nerve pain.
Taking warm baths
Doing yoga and exercise
Mediation
Eliminating Bad Habits: Smoking constricts the blood vessels and decreases the amount of oxygenated blood that can pass through. This may lead to other serious conditions such as numbness and pain from peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, it is highly advisable to quit smoking.
FAQs on Peripheral Nervous System
1. What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
The early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include prickling in fingers and numbness.
It can spread to hands or legs where it can cause freezing, burning, pain, etc.
It often gets worse at night. It can be a constant pain that is felt on both sides of the body.
Sensitivity can be felt at many times when the individual tries to touch something. The pain is found to be sharp and terrific.
Muscles can become weak. The individuals may face difficulty in moving or walking.
Sweating is also considered to be a symptom of peripheral neuropathy.
Blood pressure can become abnormal.
2. What will happen if the peripheral nervous system gets damaged?
Not only the functions of organs are controlled, but also motor and sensory information are transmitted by the peripheral nervous system. Due to trauma, PNS can be damaged and it can cause Charcot- Marie- Tooth (CMT). The ability of the brain can be affected by this kind of damage. This will damage the brain's communication with the organs and muscles. Good and quick medical care and treatment are needed for peripheral nerve injury. If these measures are not taken at the right moment then it can lead to huge complications and permanent damage.
3. What is known as the peripheral nervous system?
The peripheral nervous system is a part of the nervous system which helps in the formation of communication and networks between central nervous systems and body parts. It controls the conscious activities of muscle, also it controls the unconscious activities of visceral organs such as the heart, the intestines, etc.
4. Where is the peripheral nervous system located?
Peripheral nervous systems are located outside the brain and spinal cord. It exchanges information between the central nervous systems and the body. It is present in all body parts such as muscle, sense organs, glands, etc.
5. What is the function of the peripheral nervous system?
The primary function of PNS is to connect the CNS to the body and relay information between them via nerve impulses. When there is a change of environment, PNS relays the information to CNS and CNS sends a signal to that body part to respond.
PNS is responsible for voluntary movement such as chewing, walking, etc.
6. What are the parts of the peripheral nervous system?
The peripheral nervous system is divided into two parts
1. Somatic nervous system
2. Autonomic nervous system
A. afferent neurons
B. efferent neurons.
It is divided into two parts:
A. Sympathetic nervous system
B. Parasympathetic nervous system
7. What is called the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the Peripheral nervous system which acts when there is a threatening stimulus. In this situation, the sympathetic nervous system acts by increasing heart rate, the activity of sweat glands, dilating pupils etc. And decreases the activity of actions that are less important in that emergency situation such as digestion.
The parasympathetic nervous system is another part of the Peripheral nervous system which maintains the normal activity of the body and acts when an emergency situation is passed. It reduces heart rate to normal, constrict pupils, reduce sweating etc.
