How does the peripheral nervous system differ from the central nervous system?

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is fundamentally different from the central nervous system (CNS) in that it comprises all the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord. This includes cranial nerves and spinal nerves, which facilitate communication between the CNS and the rest of the body. The PNS is responsible for transmitting sensory information to the CNS and carrying motor commands from the CNS to the muscles and glands, illustrating its critical role in the overall functioning of the nervous system.

In contrast, the central nervous system consists solely of the brain and spinal cord, which are the control centers for processing and coordinating information. The other options mischaracterize aspects of the nervous system; the PNS does not manage involuntary functions exclusively (as it also includes voluntary control mechanisms), nor does it primarily regulate emotions, which are more associated with certain brain structures within the CNS. Thus, recognizing the PNS as the system comprising nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord clearly defines its distinction from the CNS.