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

The autonomic nervous system is a division of the peripheral nervous system that manages the body's internal organs and glands. Its functions are generally considered to be involuntary and operate outside of conscious control.

The Autonomic Nervous System

The Peripheral Nervous System is further divided into the somatic and autonomic systems based on function. The Somatic Nervous System governs voluntary actions and relays sensory information, primarily controlling skeletal muscles. The Autonomic Nervous System, on the other hand, manages involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and glandular activity, operating largely outside of conscious control.

Comparison of the Somatic and Autonomic Nervous Systems

Imagine you are walking down a quiet street when a car horn blares unexpectedly. You consciously turn your head toward the sound, and at the same time, your heart begins to beat much faster. Which subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system are responsible for turning your head and for the increase in your heart rate, respectively?

* The somatic nervous system
* The autonomic nervous system 

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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

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