What role does the peripheral nervous system (PNS) serve?

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is crucial for relaying information between the central nervous system (CNS) and various parts of the body. It serves as a communication pathway, transmitting sensory information from the body to the CNS for processing and sending motor commands from the CNS back to the body to control movements. This bidirectional flow of information is essential for coordinating bodily functions and responses to the environment.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the primary functions of the PNS. For instance, the idea that the PNS only processes visual and auditory information is limited and does not encompass the full range of sensory modalities and motor functions that the PNS regulates. Storing electrical impulses for future use is not a function of the PNS; rather, it pertains more to memory and processing within the CNS. Lastly, while the PNS can facilitate reflex actions, many reflexes do involve the CNS for processing; therefore, suggesting that it operates entirely without CNS involvement is misleading. All of these points highlight why option B is the most accurate representation of the role of the peripheral nervous system.