The somatic nervous system carries motor and sensory signals to and from the central nervous system (CNS).
Learn more about the somatic nervous system, including its location, function, and parts.
There are two types of somatic nerves: cranial and spinal.
PASIEKA / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images
These nerves are often involved in neuromuscular disorders.
Spinal Nerves
The somatic nerves that extend from the spinal column are known asspinal nerves.
There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves.
How exactly does this complex system work?
Answering this question requires a closer look at its key parts.
They carry signals from muscles and sensory organs back to the central nervous system.
These reflexes are controlled by a neural pathway known as a reflex arc.
This triggers when a nerve pathway connects directly to the spinal cord.
However, they have different functions.
In comparison, theautonomic nervous systemconnects the CNS with visceral organs (heart, stomach, etc.)
Tawfik EA, Walker FO, Cartwright MS. Neuromuscular ultrasound of cranial nerves.J Clin Neurol.
Cuevas J.The somatic nervous system.Reference Module in Biomedical Sciences.
doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-801238-3.05364-2
Cleveland Clinic.Somatic nervous system.
Dorland.Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary.
Cleveland Clinic.Neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy).
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Peripheral neuropathy fact sheet.
Cleveland Clinic.Neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy): Prevention.
Ganong WF.Review of Medical Physiology.
Somatic nervous system.Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary.
