Which system connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body?

The peripheral nervous system is the network that connects the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, to the rest of the body's tissues and organs. It serves as a critical communication highway where sensory information is relayed from the body to the CNS and motor commands are transmitted from the CNS to the muscles and glands, allowing for coordinated responses to various stimuli.

The peripheral nervous system consists of two main subdivisions: the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. The somatic nervous system is primarily responsible for voluntary movements and the transmission of sensory information regarding external stimuli. The autonomic nervous system, on the other hand, manages involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion. While both the somatic and autonomic systems are components of the peripheral nervous system, it is the peripheral nervous system as a whole that connects the CNS to all parts of the body.