The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is one component of the overall nervous system network in the human body. The other component is the central nervous system (CNS). The two are interconnected, and function to both sense and react to environments inside and outside the body.

The PNS is made up of neurons; the cellular pathways for the various signals on which the proper operation of the nervous system relies. There are two types of neurons operating in the PNS. The first are the sensory neurons that run from the myriad of sensory receptors throughout the body. Sensory receptors provide the connection between the stimulus (such as heat, cold and pain) and the CNS. As well, the PNS also consists of motor neurons. These neurons connect the CNS to various muscles and glands throughout the body. These muscles and glands are also known as effectors...