The ability to intentionally make our legs move to walk across a room is a voluntary motor action. Therefore, this function is controlled by the somatic nervous system, rather than the autonomic, sympathetic, or parasympathetic nervous systems.

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The somatic nervous system is a subdivision of the peripheral nervous system responsible for activities considered conscious or voluntary. It functions as a relay system for sensory and motor information between the central nervous system (CNS) and the rest of the body. Consequently, it is composed of both motor neurons (efferent fibers) and sensory neurons (afferent fibers).

The Somatic Nervous System

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Categorizations of neurons in the somatic nervous system include:

- Motor neurons, described as efferent fibers
- Sensory neurons, described as afferent fibers

Categorizations of Neurons in the Somatic Nervous System

Imagine you decide to pick up a pen from your desk. Break down this simple, voluntary action into the necessary steps involving your nervous system. Describe the pathway of information from the moment you see the pen to the moment your muscles move to grasp it.

Coordinating a Voluntary Action

When you consciously decide to kick a soccer ball, your brain sends signals to your leg muscles, and you feel the impact as your foot connects with the ball. Which division of the nervous system is primarily responsible for transmitting these specific motor commands and sensory information for this voluntary action?

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