Which system includes nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord?

The peripheral nervous system is the correct answer because it encompasses all the nerves that lie outside the central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system plays a crucial role in connecting the central nervous system to the limbs and organs, facilitating communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It includes sensory nerves that transmit information from sensory receptors to the central nervous system, as well as motor nerves that convey commands from the central nervous system to various parts of the body.

The central nervous system, while essential to processing and interpreting signals, does not include the nerves that reach out to other areas of the body. Meanwhile, the autonomic nervous system, a part of the peripheral nervous system, specifically regulates involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion, but it is not a complete representation of all nerves outside the central nervous system. Similarly, the somatic nervous system, which is also part of the peripheral nervous system, is primarily responsible for voluntary movements and the relay of sensory information. Therefore, the expansive role of the peripheral nervous system accurately includes all nerves that extend beyond the confines of the brain and spinal cord.