title: Anatomy of the peripheral nervous system.
abstract: This article is an overview of the structure and components of the peripheral nervous system. The fine structure and gross anatomy of peripheral nerves and ganglia are described. A functional and regional approach is used to highlight principles on which the peripheral nervous system is designed. Finally, the somatic and autonomic nervous systems are contrasted to underscore similarities between the two systems.
authors.affiliation: Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders Strategic Healthcare Group, Department of Veterans Affairs, Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington, USA. barry.goldstein@med.va.gov
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Goldstein
mesh_terms: D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D010275:Parasympathetic Nervous System / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000033:anatomy & histology