Which system is referred to as the peripheral nervous system?

The peripheral nervous system encompasses all the components of the nervous system that lie outside the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. It consists of nerves and ganglia that extend throughout the body, connecting the central nervous system to limbs and organs. This system is essential for transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system and relaying motor commands back to the muscles.

Understanding this definition is crucial because it highlights the role of the peripheral nervous system in facilitating communication within the body, allowing for responses to stimuli and coordination of actions. The other choices refer to specific functions or aspects that are not representative of the entire peripheral nervous system. For instance, the brain’s motor control, hormonal coordination, or involuntary reflex actions do not encompass the broader network that the peripheral nervous system provides.