What part of the nervous system includes sensory and motor functions in the periphery?

The correct answer is the Peripheral nervous system, which encompasses all the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord. This system plays a crucial role in connecting the central nervous system to the limbs and organs of the body, facilitating both sensory input and motor output.

The sensory functions of the peripheral nervous system include gathering information from sensory receptors located throughout the body. These receptors detect stimuli from the environment and relay information regarding touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception back to the central nervous system for processing.

Motor functions are achieved through the peripheral nervous system as well, as it controls voluntary movements by sending signals from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles. This allows for coordinated movement and physical response to stimuli.

In contrast, the autonomic nervous system specifically regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion, rather than direct sensory and motor activities. The central nervous system refers to the brain and spinal cord, which process and interpret information but do not include the numerous peripheral nerves. The sympathetic nervous system is a subdivision of the autonomic nervous system, primarily involved in the body's 'fight or flight' response and not general sensory and motor functions. Therefore, the peripheral nervous system is the comprehensive region that incorporates both sensory and motor functions