Difference Between Somatic Nervous System and Autonomic Nervous System
Difference between somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system is given in the table below:
| Feature | Somatic Nervous System (SNS) | Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Voluntary control over skeletal muscles | Involuntary control over visceral organs and glands |
| Effector Organs | Skeletal muscles | Smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands |
| Neurotransmitter | Acetylcholine (ACh) released at neuromuscular junctions | Acetylcholine (ACh) and norepinephrine (NE) |
| Neurotransmitter Effect | Excitatory | Can be excitatory or inhibitory |
| Ganglia | No ganglia in pathway; synapses directly onto target muscles | Pre- and postganglionic neurons with ganglia |
| Regulation | Response to conscious control and sensory input | Response to subconscious and automatic control |
| Functions | Controls voluntary movements and sensory perception | Regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration |
Somatic Nervous System
The somatic nervous system (SNS) controls voluntary movements and reflex arcs by transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system (CNS) and motor commands from the CNS to skeletal muscles. It consists of motor neurons that stimulate muscle contractions and sensory neurons that relay information from sensory organs. The SNS enables conscious control over bodily movements and responds to external stimuli. It plays an important role in activities such as walking, grasping, and reflex actions.
In this article, we will study the somatic nervous system, its components, functions, mechanism of action and disorders in detail.
Table of Content
- What is the Somatic Nervous System?
- What is Somatic Nervous System Made of?
- Components of the Somatic Nervous System
- Sensory Neurons
- Motor Neurons
- Neuromuscular Junctions
- Sensory Receptors
- Spinal Cord
- Brainstem and Motor Cortex
- Cranial Nerves
- Types of Somatic Nervous System
- 1. Afferent (Sensory) Nerves
- 2. Efferent (Motor) Nerves
- 3. Interneurons
- Importance of the Somatic Nervous System
- Difference Between SNS and ANS
- Mechanism of Somatic Nervous System
- Somatic Nervous System Functions
- Disorders that Affect Somatic Nervous System
- Symptoms of Somatic Nervous System Disorders
- Treatments for Somatic Nervous System Disorders