What You Should Know About the Peripheral Nervous System

The somatic system is responsible for transmitting sensory information as well as voluntary movement. The system contains two major types of neurons:

1. Motor neurons. They carry information from the brain and spinal cord to muscle fibers throughout the body. They allow us to take physical action.
2. Sensory neurons. They allow us to take in sensory information and then carry the information from the nerves to the central nervous system.

The autonomic system controls aspects of the body that are usually not under voluntary control. The autonomic system is divided into two branches:

1. Parasympathetic system: It helps maintain normal body functions and conserve physical resources. Once a threat is over, this system will slow the heart rate, slow the breathing, reduce blood flow to muscles, and constrict the pupils.
2. Sympathetic system: This system prepares the body to expend energy to respond to environmental threats - the flight or fight response.