What does the peripheral nervous system connect?

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) plays a crucial role in connecting the central nervous system (CNS), which comprises the brain and spinal cord, to the rest of the body. It includes all the nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord, which branch out to limbs and organs. This system is responsible for relaying sensory information to the brain and transmitting motor commands from the brain to various parts of the body, thereby facilitating communication between the CNS and the rest of the body.

The other options address connections involved in the nervous system but do not accurately reflect the overall role of the peripheral nervous system. For instance, while the spinal cord does connect to the muscles, this connection is primarily a function of specific spinal nerves rather than encompassing the full spectrum of the PNS's responsibilities. Similarly, although the brain has connections to internal organs, these connections are part of specific autonomic pathways rather than the broader definition of what the PNS covers. Ultimately, recognizing that the PNS serves as the bridge linking the central nervous system to the entire body is essential in understanding its fundamental role.