What is the Difference Between Somatic and Autonomic Nervous System?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The somatic and autonomic nervous systems are both part of the peripheral nervous system, but they have distinct functions and characteristics. Here are the key differences between the two:
- Function: The somatic nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system (CNS) to and from receptors of external stimuli, thereby mediating sight, hearing, and touch. It controls voluntary muscular systems within the body and mediates involuntary reflex arcs. On the other hand, the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for controlling visceral functions, such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, salivation, perspiration, pupillary dilation, micturition (urination), and sexual arousal. The ANS functions largely below the level of consciousness and affects internal organs.
- Consciousness: The somatic nervous system is involved in conscious activities, while the autonomic nervous system mediates unconscious activities.
- Divisions: The autonomic nervous system has two parts: the sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division. Many visceral organs are supplied with fibers from both divisions, with one division stimulating and the other inhibiting. The somatic nervous system does not have such divisions.
In summary, the somatic nervous system is involved in conscious activities and controls voluntary muscles, while the autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions of internal organs and is not under conscious control.
Comparative Table: Somatic vs Autonomic Nervous System
The somatic and autonomic nervous systems are both parts of the peripheral nervous system, but they have distinct functions and characteristics. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:
| Feature | Somatic Nervous System | Autonomic Nervous System |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Voluntary movements and sensation, such as sight, hearing, and touch | Involuntary functions, such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate |
| Control | Conscious, voluntary control | Unconscious, involuntary control |
| Regions | Connects the central nervous system to receptors of external stimuli, such as the skin | Regulates visceral functions and internal organs |
| Subdivisions | None | Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS) |
Both the somatic and autonomic nervous systems are composed of cranial and spinal nerves that branch from the brain and spinal cord. The somatic nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to and from receptors of external stimuli, mediating sight, hearing, and touch. In contrast, the autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. The autonomic nervous system can be further subdivided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
- Autonomic vs Somatic Reflexes
- Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Nervous System
- Central vs Peripheral Nervous System
- Nervous System vs Endocrine System
- Sensory vs Motor Nerves
- Nervous Tissue vs Nervous System
- Somatic vs Visceral Reflex
- Sensory vs Motor Neurons
- Muscular Tissue vs Nervous Tissue
- Cranial vs Spinal Nerves
- Nerve vs Neuron
- Sensory vs Somatosensory
- Hormonal vs Neural Control
- Nerves vs Hormones
- Autonomic vs Paratonic Movements
- Muscle Cells vs Nerve Cells
- Anatomy vs Physiology
- Dermatomes vs Peripheral Nerves
- Nervous Coordination vs Chemical Coordination