What Is Somatic Nervous System

Sample Solution

The somatic nervous system (SNS) is one of the two main divisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The other division is the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The SNS is responsible for voluntary control of the body's muscles and skeletal system. It also plays a role in sensory perception.

The SNS is made up of two main types of nerves: motor nerves and sensory nerves. Motor nerves carry signals from the central nervous system (CNS) to the muscles, telling them to contract. Sensory nerves carry signals from the body's tissues and organs to the CNS, telling it about what is happening in the environment.

Full Answer Section

The SNS is divided into three main parts:

• The spinal cord: The spinal cord is a long, thin nerve that runs through the center of the back. It contains the cell bodies of motor neurons that control the muscles of the trunk and limbs.
• The peripheral nerves: The peripheral nerves are the nerves that branch off from the spinal cord and extend to all parts of the body. They contain the axons of motor neurons that control the muscles, as well as the axons of sensory neurons that carry signals from the body's tissues and organs to the CNS.
• The cranial nerves: The cranial nerves are 12 pairs of nerves that originate from the brainstem. They control the muscles of the head and neck, as well as the senses of smell, sight, hearing, taste, and touch.

The SNS plays an important role in many different functions, including:

• Voluntary movement: The SNS controls the muscles of the body that are under voluntary control, such as the muscles of the arms and legs.
• Sensory perception: The SNS carries signals from the body's tissues and organs to the CNS, telling it about what is happening in the environment. This allows us to feel pain, touch, temperature, and other sensations.
• Reflexes: Reflexes are automatic responses to stimuli. For example, when you touch a hot stove, your SNS will automatically contract the muscles in your hand to pull it away from the stove.
• Posture: The SNS helps to maintain the body's posture by controlling the muscles that keep the spine erect.
• Balance: The SNS helps to maintain the body's balance by controlling the muscles that keep the head upright and the eyes focused.

The SNS is a complex and essential system that allows us to move, feel, and respond to our environment. It is