Communication between the central nervous system and the rest of the body is facilitated by the peripheral nervous system, which includes cranial nerves from the brain and spinal nerves from the spinal cord.

The brain allows us to think and take actions by sending messages to muscles, coordinating voluntary actions based on decisions about what to do next.

The nervous system communicates with muscles by sending messages. The peripheral nervous system, consisting of cranial nerves from the brain and spinal nerves from the spinal cord, facilitates communication between the central nervous system and other parts of the body.

The spinal cord has functions beyond reflex action, as it is made up of nerves that supply information for thinking.

A connection between nerves that detect a stimulus and nerves that control muscle movement is commonly referred to as a reflex arc.