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Anatomy of the peripheral nervous system
1Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Strategic Healthcare Group, Department of Veterans Affairs, Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA. barry.goldstein@med.va.gov
Summary
This article overviews the peripheral nervous system's structure and components, detailing nerve and ganglion anatomy. It contrasts the somatic and autonomic nervous systems, highlighting design principles.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Anatomy
Background:
- The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is crucial for transmitting sensory and motor information.
- Understanding its structure is fundamental to neuroscience and medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of the peripheral nervous system.
- To describe the fine structure and gross anatomy of peripheral nerves and ganglia.
- To elucidate the design principles of the PNS through functional and regional analysis.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive anatomical review.
- Functional and regional analysis of the PNS.
- Comparative analysis of somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of peripheral nerve and ganglion structure.
- Explanation of PNS design principles.
- Contrast between somatic and autonomic nervous system functions and structures.
Conclusions:
- The PNS is organized with specific structural and functional principles.
- Somatic and autonomic nervous systems share underlying design similarities despite functional differences.