What does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) connect?

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) plays a crucial role in the overall functioning of the nervous system by connecting the central nervous system (CNS), which is composed of the brain and spinal cord, to the rest of the body. This connection allows for the transmission of sensory information from various parts of the body back to the CNS and enables motor commands from the CNS to reach the muscles and organs. By facilitating communication between the CNS and peripheral body structures, the PNS is essential for coordinating bodily responses and maintaining homeostasis.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the role of the PNS. While the PNS indeed connects various systems within the body, stating that it connects the brain to the spinal cord pertains directly to the CNS. Describing connections such as the heart to the lungs or sensory organs to the brain involves specific pathways and systems that don't encompass the broader function of the PNS as a whole.