Somatic nervous system (SNS)

Definition

The somatic nervous system is a part of the peripheral nervous system that oversees voluntary movements and the transmission of sensory information to the central nervous system. It consists of nerve fibers that send sensory information to the central nervous system and motor nerve fibers that project to skeletal muscle.

Related terms

Peripheral Nervous System:

The network of nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord, encompassing both the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

Motor Neurons:

Nerve cells that initiate and conduct impulses from the central nervous system to muscles or glands, eliciting a response.

Sensory Neurons: Nerve cells responsible for converting external stimuli from the environment into internal electrical impulses for the brain to interpret