Which two types of nerves make up the peripheral nervous system?

The correct choice describes the peripheral nervous system as being composed of motor and sensory nerves. This distinction is essential for understanding how the peripheral nervous system operates in conjunction with the central nervous system.

Motor nerves are responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to muscles, facilitating movement and physical responses. These fibers enable voluntary actions, such as moving your arm or leg, as well as involuntary actions, such as reflexes.

Sensory nerves, on the other hand, carry information from sensory receptors back to the central nervous system. They inform the brain about sensations such as touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception, allowing for a perceptual awareness of the environment.

This interplay between motor and sensory nerves is crucial for coordinating responses to stimuli as well as for maintaining homeostasis. The correct identification of these two types of nerves underscores their foundational roles in the functioning of the peripheral nervous system and the communication between the body and the brain.