Any nerve outside the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) that carries signals between the CNS and the rest of the body. These nerves can be motor (controlling muscles), sensory (carrying sensation), or mixed (both functions).
From Greek periphereia meaning 'circumference' or 'outer boundary,' literally 'carrying around.' Combined with Latin nervus meaning 'sinew' or 'string,' reflecting early observations of nerves as string-like structures extending to the body's periphery.
Peripheral nerves are the only part of your nervous system that can actually regenerate! Unlike brain or spinal cord tissue, a severed peripheral nerve can regrow at about 1mm per day, which is why feeling can sometimes return to injured fingers or toes over many months.
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