toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Peripheral nervous system

Top of the page

Peripheral nervous system

The peripheral nervous system includes the nerves leading from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body. It is made up of 31 pairs of nerves coming out of the spinal column openings (spinal nerves) and 12 pairs of nerves coming out of the opening in the skull (cranial nerves).

A peripheral nerve may be made up of cells carrying information from the brain to the body (motor messages) or carrying information from the body to the brain (sensory messages). The spinal nerves carry both sensory and motor messages and are called "mixed nerves." Among the cranial nerves are five pairs of motor nerves, three pairs of sensory nerves, and four pairs of mixed nerves.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more, visit Healthwise.org

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Take Care, Someone Needs You.

You take care of others, so take care of yourself. Let us be your partner in health, whether you're recovering from an injury, checking in for your annual exam, or enjoying an online class.

Because when you take care of yourself, everyone around you benefits.

Connect with Us
Contact Us In Twin Falls (208) 814-1000