What is the primary function of the peripheral nervous system?

The primary function of the peripheral nervous system is to connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body. This system comprises all the nerves that lie outside the brain and spinal cord, extending to the limbs and organs. Its role is essential as it acts as a network, transmitting signals between the CNS and the peripheral parts of the body. This involves both carrying sensory information from the body to the brain and sending motor commands from the brain to the muscles and glands.

Understanding this connection helps clarify why the other options do not represent the primary function of the peripheral nervous system. While processing information is crucial, that task is predominantly handled by the CNS itself. Managing stress responses falls under the purview of specific components of the nervous system, such as the autonomic nervous system, rather than being a primary function of the peripheral nervous system in general. Likewise, while transmitting sensory information to the brain is a significant role, it is only one part of a broader function that includes motor control and autonomic regulation, which are encompassed in the overall connectivity that the peripheral nervous system provides.