somatic nervous system

Examples of somatic nervous system in the following topics:

• Comparing the Somatic and Autonomic Nervous Systems

  • The peripheral nervous system includes both a voluntary, somatic branch and an involuntary branch that regulates visceral functions.
  • The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
  • The somatic nervous system (SoNS) is the part of the peripheral nervous system associated with the voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles.
  • The somatic nervous system controls all voluntary muscular systems within the body, and also mediates involuntary reflex arcs.
  • The somatic nervous system consists of three parts:

• Sensory-Somatic Nervous System

  • The sensory-somatic nervous system transmits sensory information from the body to the brain and motor movements from the brain to the body.
  • The sensory-somatic nervous system is composed of cranial and spinal nerves and contains both sensory and motor neurons.
  • Sensory neurons transmit sensory information from the skin, skeletal muscle, and sensory organs to the central nervous system (CNS).
  • Without its sensory-somatic nervous system, an animal would be unable to process any information about its environment (what it sees, feels, hears, etc. ) and could not control motor movements.
  • Explain the role of the cranial and spinal nerves in the sensory-somatic nervous system

• Introduction to the Nervous System

  • The basic unit of the nervous system is the neuron.
  • The nervous system can be divided into two major parts—the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
  • The PNS can be further subdivided into the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system.
  • The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements such as those in the skin, bones, joints, and skeletal muscles.
  • The nervous system of the human body, including the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) and all the nerves of the body (peripheral nervous system).

• The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  • The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to environmental stimuli to gather sensory input and create motor output.
  • The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is one of the two major components of the body's nervous system.
  • The PNS can also be divided into two separate systems: the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system.
  • The somatic nervous system keeps the body adept and coordinated, both through reflexes and voluntary action.
  • The somatic nervous system controls systems in areas as diverse as the skin, bones, joints, and skeletal muscles.

• Subdivisions of the Nervous System

  • The nervous system is comprised of two major subdivisions, the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
  • The PNS is further subdivided into the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the somatic nervous system.
  • The somatic system has voluntary control of our movements via skeletal muscle.
  • The ANS is classically divided into two subsystems: the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
  • The enteric nervous system (ENS) controls the gastrointestinal system and is sometimes considered part of the autonomic nervous system.

• Function and Physiology of the Spinal Nerves

  • The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord.
  • The main function of the PNS is to connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the limbs and organs.
  • The peripheral nervous system is divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
  • The somatic nervous system consists of afferent and efferent nerves and is associated with the voluntary control of skeletal muscle movements.
  • The functions of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems are detailed.

• Autonomic Reflexes

  • In these cases, the body will interpret the afferent pain stimulus as somatic.
  • The autonomic nervous system (ANS, visceral nervous system, or involuntary nervous system) is the part of the peripheral nervous system that acts as a control system.
  • These then subdivide into other areas and are also linked to ANS subsystems and nervous systems external to the brain.
  • The ANS is classically divided into two subsystems: the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that operate independently in some functions and interact co-operatively in others.
  • The enteric nervous system is also sometimes considered part of the autonomic nervous system, and sometimes considered an independent system.

• The Central Nervous System (CNS)

  • The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord, which process sensory input and provide instructions to the body.
  • The central nervous system (CNS) is one of the two major subdivisions of the nervous system.
  • Together with the peripheral nervous system (PNS), the CNS performs fundamental functions that contribute to an organism's life and behavior.
  • The nervous system has three main functions: gathering sensory information from external stimuli, synthesizing that information, and responding to those stimuli.
  • The three major components of the central nervous system: 1) the brain, 2) brain stem, and 3) spinal cord.

• Localization of Pain

  • Localization of pain is determined by whether the pain is superficial somatic, visceral, or deep somatic.
  • Nociceptive pain may also be divided into visceral, deep somatic, and superficial somatic pain.
  • Deep somatic pain is initiated by the stimulation of nociceptors in ligaments, tendons, bones, blood vessels, fasciae, and muscles, and is a dull, aching, poorly localized pain.
  • Examples of injuries that produce superficial somatic pain include minor wounds and minor (first degree) burns.

• Parasympathetic (Craniosacral) Division

  • Parasympathetic ganglia are the autonomic ganglia of the parasympathetic nervous system that lie near or within the organs they innervate.
  • Parasympathetic ganglia are the autonomic ganglia of the parasympathetic nervous system, blue fibers).
  • Because of its location, the parasympathetic system is commonly referred to as having craniosacral outflow, in contrast to the sympathetic nervous system, which is said to have thoracolumbar outflow.
  • The parasympathetic nervous system, shown in blue, is a division of the autonomic nervous system.
  • Describe features of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system