autonomic nervous system vs. somatic nervous system

#Autonomic nervous system vs. somatic nervous system driver#
#Autonomic nervous system vs. somatic nervous system windows#

The somatic nervous system controls voluntary skeletal muscle movement as well as relays sensory information from the periphery to the brain. The peripheral nervous system can then be subdivided into the somatic and autonomic nervous system. Alternatively, the peripheral nervous system comprises the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The nervous system can broadly be subdivided into 2 main categories, the central and peripheral nervous system.

To better understand the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, it is helpful to first organize the nervous system into its various components. We will walk through both systems step by step below. They are continuously producing responses, essentially counteracting one another, but external stimuli can tip the scale in one direction or the other. The above scenario demonstrates the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system in action.

Despite having been in a relaxed trance seconds ago, you are now completely awake and situationally aware. Your mind is racing, but you know you must move the car from blocking both lanes. Your clammy and tremulous hands attempt to grasp the wheel. Despite knowing you successfully avoided a disaster, you can hardly catch your breath as your heart rapidly pounds against your chest.

#Autonomic nervous system vs. somatic nervous system driver#

Your car fishtails back and forth several times before coming to a halt sideways across both lanes.įortunately, you and the other driver do not collide and are both safe. To avoid a head on collision, you swerve toward the shoulder nearly driving off the road into a steep ditch. Suddenly, another vehicle coming from the opposite direction drifts left of center toward your vehicle. Your favorite song plays as you travel down a twisting 2 lane highway adjacent to the river.

#Autonomic nervous system vs. somatic nervous system windows#

Car windows are down and the warm summer breeze gently drifts through the car. You take in a slow deep breath through the nose and smile as you reflect on the day. Although exhausted, you acknowledge that the shift was a good one. You are driving home after a long shift at the hospital.