Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer highlights that the peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of sensory and motor neurons. The PNS is responsible for transmitting information between the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the rest of the body. Sensory neurons carry information from the body's sensory receptors to the central nervous system, providing essential data about external stimuli and internal conditions. In contrast, motor neurons transmit commands from the central nervous system to muscles and glands, facilitating movement and responses.

The distinction made in the other choices is important in understanding the broader structure of the nervous system. While the brain and spinal cord form the central nervous system and are vital for processing information, they do not fall under the PNS. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves are branches of the autonomic nervous system, which is a subset of the PNS but does not encompass the entire system. Similarly, cranial and spinal nerves are part of the PNS structure, but only referring to them narrows the scope of the broader category of sensory and motor functions inclusive of all types of neurons. Recognizing that sensory and motor neurons encompass the entire functional aspect of the PNS demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of its role in communication within the body.