Marvelous Dance of Nerve Control. After the central nervous system, there comes the peripheral nervous system.

The peripheral nervous system is a complex network of nerves and ganglia and it serves as the connection between the central nervous system and the rest of our body.

It is further subdivided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.

Somatic Nervous System

It consists of the cranial and spinal nerve fibers that connect the central nervous system to the skin and skeletal muscles.

Meaning this division is involved in conscious activities.

Autonomic Nervous System

It includes those fibers that connect the central nervous system to the visceral organs, such as the heart, stomach, intestines, and various glands.

Meaning it is involved in unconscious activities.

The autonomic nervous system is further divided into two categories.

1. Sympathetic division.
2. Parasympathetic division.

Both of these systems work involuntarily as well.

Sympathetic Division

This division controls various autonomic functions during the state of emergency and prepares us for our “fight or flight” situation.

For example, increased rate of heartbeat, unnecessary sweating, fastening the rate of digestion, etc.

Parasympathetic Division

Marvelous Dance of Nerve Control. This division is responsible for the aftermath of an emergency situation.

Meaning it helps the body to return to its normal state after the emergency is over.

For example, slowing the heartbeat, slowing the digestion rate, etc.