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Somatic nervous system

Author: Scott A. Sheffield MS

Last update: Oct 13th, 2022

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In nerves, somatic nervous system (Gr. soma; body) axons carry signals that allow the central nervous system (CNS) to voluntarily or consciously monitor the external environment and regulate the body’s responses activities.

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• The process begins when somatic receptors detect changes in the external (surrounding) environmental.

• Somatic receptors are modified nerve cell endings located in the skeletal muscles, joints, and sense organs (eyes, ears, mouth, and nose).
• When stimulated, the somatic receptors generate electrochemical impulses or action potentials in the axons of somatic sensory neurons (afferent neurons).

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• Each axon runs the length of a nerve and conducts signals directly into the CNS.
• Somatic neurons supply the CNS with vital input information and their axons are typical enveloped by a series of Schwann cells. The rate of impulse conduction is increased by the structure and arrangement of these support cells.
• In the CNS, neurons called interneurons image, interpret, and integrate the input delivered by the sensory neurons (except for reflexes). Response activities are then planned and relayed to somatic motor neurons.

• The motor neurons (efferent neurons) conduct impulses out to the skeletal muscles (effectors), which produce required response movements. Somatic motor neurons are also covered by a series of Schwann cells because the muscle actions need to be coordinated and rapid.