the part of the nervous system which resides exterior to the cranium and spinal column, that being, all portions exterior to the CNS. Afferent fibers of the PNS deliver messages from the sense organs to the CNS- efferent fibers convey messages from the CNS to the glands and muscles. It is comprised of the spinal nerves, cranial nerves, and portions of the ANS.
PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (PNS): “The peripheral nerve system is often confused with the parasympathetic nervous system, due to their closely related acronyms.”