It seems you're asking about the peripheral nervous system, not the "outer nervous system". This is a common misconception, as the nervous system is a complex network that extends throughout the body.

Here's a breakdown:

* Central Nervous System (CNS): This is the brain and spinal cord, which act as the control center for the body.

* Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): This is the network of nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body. The PNS allows the brain and spinal cord to receive information from the environment and send signals to muscles and organs.

The Peripheral Nervous System is further divided into:

* Somatic Nervous System: This controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles. For example, when you choose to lift your arm, the somatic nervous system carries the signal from your brain to the muscles in your arm.

* Autonomic Nervous System: This controls involuntary bodily functions, like heart rate, digestion, and breathing. It works automatically and is often referred to as the "automatic pilot" of the body. The autonomic nervous system has two branches:

* Sympathetic Nervous System: This prepares the body for "fight-or-flight" responses, increasing heart rate, breathing, and adrenaline levels.

* Parasympathetic Nervous System: This calms the body and conserves energy, slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and stimulating digestion.

Therefore, the peripheral nervous system consists of all the nerves that extend beyond the brain and spinal cord, allowing the body to interact with its environment.