Introduction
The somatic nervous system (SNS) is the part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for voluntary movement and the sensory reception of external stimuli. It is composed of the cranial nerves and the spinal nerves, which are responsible for muscle movement and the senses of touch, temperature, and pain. The somatic nervous system is part of the somatic-autonomic-visceral (SAV) triad of the peripheral nervous system (PNS).1
Structure and Function
The two main components of the somatic nervous system are the cranial nerves and the spinal nerves. The cranial nerves arise from the brainstem, and are composed of 12 pairs of nerves.2 They are responsible for the movement of the facial muscles, and the sense of smell, vision, hearing, and taste. The spinal nerves arise from the spinal cord, and are composed of 31 pairs of nerves.3 They are responsible for the movement of muscles in the body, and the sensation of touch, temperature, and pain.
The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movement, as well as the sensory perception of external stimuli. It is responsible for the control of skeletal muscles, and the transmission of sensory information from the skin and other body organs to the brain.4 The somatic nervous system is also involved in the control of posture, as well as the coordination of movement.
Conclusion
The somatic nervous system is an important part of the peripheral nervous system. It is composed of the cranial nerves and the spinal nerves, and is responsible for the movement of skeletal muscles, and the sensory perception of external stimuli. The somatic nervous system is also involved in the control of posture, as well as the coordination of movement.
References
1. Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., & Jessell, T. M. (2000). Principles of neural science. New York: McGraw-Hill.
2. Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., & Jessell, T. M. (2000). Principles of neural science (4th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
3. Haines, D. E. (2008). Neuroscience: Exploring the brain (3rd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
4. Bear, M. F. (2007). Neuroscience: Exploring the brain (3rd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.