What does the peripheral nervous system contain?

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is primarily composed of nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord, extending to various parts of the body. It plays a critical role in transmitting signals between the central nervous system and the rest of the body. Specifically, cranial nerves are part of the PNS as they emerge directly from the brain, connecting it to the organs, muscles, and sensory structures.

The spinal cord and the brain, on the other hand, are parts of the central nervous system (CNS). The meninges are protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord but are not classified as part of the peripheral nervous system. Understanding the distinction between the central and peripheral nervous systems is essential to grasp their respective functions and the pathways through which communication occurs in the body. Thus, identifying cranial nerves as elements of the PNS highlights the system's role in facilitating neural communication outside of the central nervous system.