Which two systems comprise the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is indeed comprised of the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements and the transmission of sensory information to the central nervous system. In contrast, the autonomic nervous system manages involuntary functions within the body, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

This classification is essential since it helps in understanding how the PNS functions and interacts with the body. The somatic system primarily involves skeletal muscle control, while the autonomic system regulates smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands. This division illustrates the extensive role that the peripheral nervous system plays in both conscious and unconscious bodily functions.

The other options are either incorrect or describe components that do not solely represent the PNS. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system, not separate systems altogether. The central nervous system (CNS) refers to the brain and spinal cord, which are distinct from the PNS. Lastly, focusing solely on motor and sensory systems does not capture the full scope of the PNS, as it does not account for the complexity of involuntary functions managed by the autonomic component.