The _____ nervous system consists of 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves.

The _____ nervous system consists of 31 pairs of spinal nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves.

• A. Autonomic
• B. Somatic
• C. Central
• D. Peripheral

Answer: (D)

The peripheral nervous system encompasses all the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, which is why it includes the 31 pairs of spinal nerves and the 12 pairs of cranial nerves. This system is responsible for transmitting sensory information to and from the central nervous system, allowing for communication between the CNS and the rest of the body. It functions to connect the limbs and organs to the central nervous system, facilitating voluntary and involuntary actions. The autonomic nervous system is a subcomponent of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion, but it does not encompass all 31 pairs of spinal and 12 pairs of cranial nerves. The somatic nervous system, also a part of the peripheral nervous system, is primarily responsible for voluntary movements and sensory information but does not represent the entire system. The central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, does not include peripheral nerves at all, making it irrelevant to this specific question. Therefore, the answer correctly identifies the broader category to which the spinal and cranial nerves belong.

The peripheral nervous system encompasses all the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, which is why it includes the 31 pairs of spinal nerves and the 12 pairs of cranial nerves. This system is responsible for transmitting sensory information to and from the central nervous system, allowing for communication between the CNS and the rest of the body. It functions to connect the limbs and organs to the central nervous system, facilitating voluntary and involuntary actions.

The autonomic nervous system is a subcomponent of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion, but it does not encompass all 31 pairs of spinal and 12 pairs of cranial nerves. The somatic nervous system, also a part of the peripheral nervous system, is primarily responsible for voluntary movements and sensory information but does not represent the entire system. The central nervous system, which consists of the brain and spinal cord, does not include peripheral nerves at all, making it irrelevant to this specific question. Therefore, the answer correctly identifies the broader category to which the spinal and cranial nerves belong.