THE PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

The Peripheral Nervous System is made up of the following two parts:

The skeletal or somatic nervous system

The somatic nervous system is made up of motor nerves that control both voluntary and
involuntary behaviors. Voluntary behaviors are due to cognitive processes such as thinking and
reasoning. However it may initiate involuntary or reflex activities which do not need cognitive
processing.

The autonomic nervous system

The autonomic nervous system has organs and glands such as the digestive system, bladder,
kidney, heart, adrenal glands and the lung that are connected by motor neurons or nerves to the
central nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls the internal activities that are
important for the external behavior to take place. For example in times of danger, the internal
system are activated to generate energy necessary to manage the danger, In case a person needs
to run away from a snake or a robber, energy will be generated by breathing faster and the heart
beating faster. Adrenaline will be released into the blood stream. Consequently, increased blood
flow will enable transport of oxygen, adrenaline and nutrients such as glucose to provide energy
to the muscles. The autonomic nervous system acts on involuntary basis therefor we have no
control over its activities.

Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System

The Autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions
which operate in opposite ways. The sympathetic division mobilizes energy when needed while
the parasympathetic division conserves or stores energy when the danger is over and it is not
needed. For instance in times of danger adrenaline, oxygen and glucose are increased in the body
to energize the muscles while these activities are slowed down when one is relaxed

Examples of autonomic nervous system reactions:

When the sympathetic division is stimulated during stress or danger:

● The heart rate increases to increase the flow of blood

● Pupils dilate to increase vision
● Secretion of saliva is suppressed and the mouth feels dry
● Peristalsis slows down and the individual does not feel hungry
● Bladder muscles are relaxes
● Adrenal glands are stimulated to secrete more adrenaline and noradrenaline
● Breathing rate increases to supply more oxygen to the body
 ● The liver is activated to generate glucose from glycogen. The glucose is then released
into the blood stream to generate more energy

When there is no stress or danger the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system
is activated. Consequently the activities of the above organs will be slowed down to conserve
energy.

Nerves in the Peripheral Nervous System

Nerves are bundles o neurons which are either sensory or motor. There are forty three pairs of
nerves in the peripheral nervous system. Thirty one of these pairs, known as spinal nerves, enter
the central nervous system below the neck along the various levels of the spinal cord. The other
twelve pairs, known as the cranial nerves, enter the brain directly.