What is the peripheral nervous system responsible for?

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is chiefly comprised of all the nerves that branch out from the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. This encompasses all the nerves that enter and exit the spinal cord, extending to various parts of the body. The primary role of the PNS is to connect the central nervous system to the limbs and organs, facilitating communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

While controlling voluntary muscle movements and processing sensory information are indeed functions involving the nervous system, these processes are primarily managed by the PNS and CNS together. For example, voluntary muscle movements involve both the PNS's control over skeletal muscles and signals initiated in the CNS. Similarly, sensory information is processed at various levels, but the sensory pathways also begin and end within the PNS. Regulating hormonal functions pertains more to the endocrine system rather than the peripheral nervous system.

Thus, the choice that emphasizes the nerves entering and leaving the spinal cord accurately defines the structural and functional essence of the peripheral nervous system.