Which components make up the peripheral nervous system?

The correct answer includes the somatic and autonomic systems, which are integral parts of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS is responsible for transmitting information between the central nervous system (CNS), composed of the brain and spinal cord, and the rest of the body.

The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and the transmission of sensory information to the CNS, allowing for conscious perception and response. In contrast, the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, without requiring conscious control. This dual system enables the body to react appropriately to both voluntary cues and automatic physiological needs, highlighting its essential role in maintaining homeostasis.

The other choices focus on aspects that do not encompass the entirety of the PNS. The brain and spinal cord comprise the central nervous system, cranial nerves alone represent just one subset of PNS functions, and spinal nerves comprise another subset but do not provide a full picture of the peripheral system’s scope. By identifying the PNS's structure primarily as the somatic and autonomic systems, we capture its full range of functions in connecting the CNS to the peripheral organs and tissues.