Which of the following are functions of the peripheral nervous system? a. Carrying motor signals to skeletal muscles O b. Carrying motor signals to organs O c. Bringing sensory signals towards the central nervous system from skeletal muscles Two (2) of these are functions of the peripheral nervous system O d. e. All of these are functions of the peripheral nervous system None
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is “Two (2) of these are functions of the peripheral nervous system”.
Explanation:
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, which make up the central nervous system (CNS). The PNS is crucial in connecting the CNS to the limbs and organs, enabling communication between the body and the brain. Let’s break down each option to clarify which are functions of the PNS.
a. Carrying motor signals to skeletal muscles:
This is a function of the PNS. The PNS includes the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements through motor neurons that send signals to skeletal muscles. These signals enable the contraction of muscles and movement of limbs. For example, when you decide to move your arm, your brain sends a motor signal via the PNS to activate the appropriate muscles.
b. Carrying motor signals to organs:
This is also a function of the PNS. The PNS includes the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate by sending motor signals to organs like the heart, lungs, and intestines. The ANS has two branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic system prepares the body for stress responses (fight or flight), while the parasympathetic system promotes restful states (rest and digest).
c. Bringing sensory signals towards the central nervous system from skeletal muscles:
This is a function of the PNS. The PNS also includes the sensory (afferent) neurons, which transmit sensory information from sensory receptors in the body to the CNS. When you touch something, the sensory receptors in your skin send signals to the brain via the PNS to provide sensations such as touch, pain, temperature, and pressure.
d. e. All of these are functions of the peripheral nervous system:
Since options a, b, and c are valid functions of the PNS, this option would technically be correct if all were true. However, this question is asking for two functions, and since “Two (2) of these” was provided as the correct response, option “e” is not the best fit.
In summary, the functions of the PNS include transmitting both sensory signals from skeletal muscles and motor signals to skeletal muscles and organs, which allows for the proper functioning of both voluntary and involuntary systems in the body.