Which system connects the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body?

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) plays a crucial role in connecting the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, to the rest of the body. It consists of all the nerves that branch out from the CNS to peripheral organs, limbs, and skin. This system enables communication between the CNS and all parts of the body, facilitating sensory input and motor output.

The PNS is divided further into the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions, and the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements. However, the PNS as a whole is responsible for connecting the CNS to the external environment and the body's internal systems. This comprehensive connection is essential for the proper functioning of physiological processes and responses to stimuli.