What function is handled by the peripheral nervous system?

Responses

stores memories and holds intelligence
stores memories and holds intelligence

senses pain and carries messages
senses pain and carries messages

protects brain from impact
protects brain from impact

controls involuntary movements and reflexes

controls involuntary movements and reflexes

The function handled by the peripheral nervous system is:

- senses pain and carries messages

The correct answer is: controls involuntary movements and reflexes

To find the answer, we need to understand the function of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is a division of the nervous system that extends outside of the brain and spinal cord. It consists of nerves that connect the central nervous system to the rest of the body. The peripheral nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals to and from the central nervous system, allowing our body to sense the environment, control movement, and carry out various involuntary functions.

To determine the function handled by the peripheral nervous system, we can examine the given options:

1. Stores memories and holds intelligence: This function is not handled by the peripheral nervous system. Memory and intelligence are primarily associated with the brain, which is part of the central nervous system.

2. Senses pain and carries messages: This is partially correct. The peripheral nervous system does carry messages from sensory organs to the central nervous system, allowing us to perceive pain and other sensations.

3. Protects the brain from impact: This function is not handled by the peripheral nervous system. The protection of the brain from impact is mainly provided by the skull and cerebrospinal fluid.

4. Controls involuntary movements and reflexes: This is the correct answer. The peripheral nervous system regulates involuntary movements, such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing, as well as reflexes, which are rapid, automatic responses to specific stimuli.

Therefore, the correct function handled by the peripheral nervous system is controlling involuntary movements and reflexes.