Somatic nervous system

Somatic Nervous System

The Somatic Nervous System (SNS) is a component of the Peripheral Nervous System that is responsible for body movement and interaction with the external environment. It is primarily associated with voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles, and the perception of external stimuli.

File:Somatic nervous system diagram.svg

Diagram of the Somatic Nervous System

Structure

The Somatic Nervous System consists of two types of neurons: sensory neurons and motor neurons. Sensory neurons transmit signals from the body's sensory receptors to the Central Nervous System (CNS), while motor neurons transmit signals from the CNS to the skeletal muscles.

Function

The Somatic Nervous System is responsible for voluntary movements and reflex arcs. It receives sensory information from the sensory receptors and sends it to the CNS. The CNS processes this information and sends signals to the skeletal muscles via the motor neurons, resulting in muscle contraction and movement.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction of the Somatic Nervous System can lead to a variety of conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Multiple sclerosis, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These conditions are typically characterized by muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and sensory deficits.

See Also

• Autonomic Nervous System
• Central Nervous System
• Peripheral Nervous System