Somatic Nervous System (SNS)

What types of nerve fibers make up the somatic nervous system?

• Peripheral sensory nerve fibers
• Motor nerve fibers

Where do peripheral sensory nerve fibers send information?

• Toward the CNS

Where do somatic motor nerve fibers send information?

• To skeletal muscles

How do somatic motor neurons travel to skeletal muscle?

• Travel directly to skeletal muscle
• No intervening synapses

Are somatic nervous system nerve fibers myelinated?

• Yes
• All nerve fibers are myelinated

Does the somatic nervous system control voluntary or involuntary movement?

• Voluntary movement

What sensory functions are influenced by the somatic nervous system?

• Touch
• Smell
• Sight
• Taste
• Sound

What are the major functions of the somatic nervous system?

• Carries sensory information to the CNS
• Sends motor information to skeletal muscle
• Controls voluntary movement
• Contributes to sensory perception

What is the major difference between somatic and autonomic motor control?

• Somatic: voluntary → skeletal muscle

• Autonomic: involuntary → internal organs, glands, smooth muscle