What does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) encompass?

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) encompasses all the nerves outside of the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and spinal cord. This broad definition includes cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and their branches, as well as all the sensory and motor pathways that connect the CNS to the rest of the body. The PNS plays a critical role in transmitting sensory information to the CNS and sending out motor commands to muscles and glands, thereby facilitating communication between the brain and the periphery of the body.

Understanding the structure and function of the PNS is essential in the field of athletic training, as it directly affects muscle movement, reflexes, and the overall coordination necessary for athletic performance. The other choices focus on narrower components of the nervous system, which do not fully represent the comprehensive nature of the PNS.