Question

Somatic neural system transmits impulse to (a) Skeletal muscles (b) Involuntary organs (c) Smooth muscles (d) All of these

Short answer

(a) Skeletal muscles

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Somatic Nervous System

The somatic nervous system is a part of the peripheral nervous system that is associated with voluntary control of body movements through the action of skeletal muscles. Thus, it is involved in transmitting sensory and motor information to and from the central nervous system.

Review the given options

Now let's consider each of the given options. (a) Skeletal muscles, (b) Involuntary organs, (c) Smooth muscles, (d) All of these.

Choose the correct answer

From our understanding of the somatic neural system, we know that this system transmits impulses to the skeletal muscles. The somatic nervous system does not control involuntary organs or smooth muscles. Therefore, the correct answer is (a) Skeletal muscles.

Key concepts

Peripheral Nervous System

The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is crucial in connecting the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body. It serves as a vast network of nerves that extends throughout the body, beyond the brain and spinal cord of the CNS. The PNS allows the CNS to receive and send information to the muscles, organs, and various tissues. It acts as a communication highway, ensuring the body functions smoothly.

There are two main components of the PNS: the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system. While the autonomic nervous system takes care of involuntary actions, such as heartbeats or digestion, the somatic nervous system is concerned with voluntary movements of the body.

• The somatic nervous system primarily interacts with the skeletal muscles.
• It is responsible for sensory and motor pathways that allow us to perceive environmental changes and react accordingly.

Therefore, the somatic component of the PNS is essential for tasks where deliberate action is required, like raising a hand or walking.

Voluntary Control

Voluntary control is an ability of the somatic nervous system that allows us to consciously influence our actions. It refers to our capacity to deliberately control the movements of certain muscles. This conscious control is a defining feature of the somatic nervous system.

When you decide to stand up, speak, or write, these are examples of voluntary actions. Our brain processes these decisions and uses the somatic nervous system to send the necessary signals.

• Voluntary movements are controlled by the brain's motor cortex.
• Nerves transmit commands from the brain to the muscles to perform the needed action.

This ability to control actions is what differentiates voluntary muscles, like skeletal muscles, from involuntary ones, such as those involved in digestion, which don't require conscious thought to function.

Skeletal Muscles

Skeletal muscles play a vital role in enabling movement under our conscious control. They are connected to bones and are the most visible type of muscle in the body, contributing to body structure and posture.

These muscles work by contracting and exerting force on bones and joints, allowing us to perform actions like walking, lifting, or typing. Under the influence of the somatic nervous system, skeletal muscles help realize intended actions.

• Skeletal muscles are striated, which means they have a banded appearance under a microscope.
• They are voluntary muscles, meaning they only move when signaled by the brain.
• This system's precise control allows for complex and refined movements.

In understanding the somatic nervous system, it's essential to recognize that skeletal muscles are key partners in translating nerve signals into physical action.