Which two parts compose the peripheral nervous system?

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is composed of two main parts: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles, allowing us to perform actions like walking or picking up objects. It also includes sensory nerves that carry information from the body to the central nervous system (CNS), enabling responses to the environment.

On the other hand, the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, operating without conscious control. It further divides into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which manage the body's 'fight or flight' responses and 'rest and digest' activities, respectively.

In summary, the combination of the somatic and autonomic divisions makes up the peripheral nervous system, facilitating both voluntary and involuntary control of bodily functions. This understanding is essential for appreciating how the nervous system operates beyond the confines of the brain and spinal cord, which comprise the central nervous system.