ABSTRACT
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is defined per exclusionem as consisting of all nerves that are not part of the brain or spinal cord, which together form the central nervous system (CNS). Due to its ramification over the entire body and to its specific conductive function, the PNS is specifically vulnerable to toxic insult, the mechanisms of which are often characteristic for the peripheral neuron. The following concise overview, mainly based on Anthony et al. (1996) and Bear et al. (1996), of the functional anatomy and neurobiochemistry of the PNS is required as an introduction to this chapter in order to clarify and discuss these mechanisms.
