TABANO, Michaela Jeanyvieve L.

CASFREE-Assignment in Module-3

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOMATIC AND

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

two parts of the peripheral nervous system
Somatic and autonomic nervous system are the
(PNS). The somatic nervous system is known as the voluntary nervous system and the
autonomic nervous system is known as the involuntary nervous system. The main difference
between somatic and autonomic nervous system is that somatic nervous system is involved in
controlling voluntary muscular movements whereas the autonomic nervous system is involved
in controlling involuntary muscular movements in the body.

Autonomic
Somatic Nervous System
Nervous System

The voluntary nervous system is The involuntary nervous system is

another name for this. another name for this.

This innervates involuntary

This innervates the voluntary
smooth muscles, cardiac muscles,
skeletal muscles.
and glands.

Smell, noise, taste, light, touch,

The blood pressure, salinity, and pH
pain, and temperature are the
are the sensory stimuli detected by
sensory stimuli detected by the the autonomic nervous system.
somatic nervous system.

The somatic nervous system The autonomic nervous system

always causes the excitatory may cause either excitatory or
response at the effector. inhibitory response at the
effector.

The somatic nervous system releases
acetylcholine at the effector.
The somatic nervous system is composed of
a single neuron between the CNS and the
effector organ.
The autonomic nervous system releases
acetylcholine or norepinephrine at the effector.
The autonomic nervous system is composed of
two neurons with a single synapse between the
CNS and the effector organ.

This is composed of thick myelinated nerve This is composed of both thin and thick myelinated nerve fibers.
fibers Sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves are the two branches
Spinal and cranial nerves are the two branches of the autonomic nervous system.
of the somatic nervous system. Visceral functions such as secretion and control of metabolism
Posture and movement are the functions of the are the functions of the autonomic nervous system.
somatic nervous system..
Conclusion
The somatic nervous system controls the voluntary muscular movements and the reflex arcs. The autonomic nervous system
controls the involuntary movements of the body. Thus, the main difference between somatic and autonomic nervous systems is
the type of movements controlled by each of them.
 TABANO, Michaela Jeanyvieve L.
CASFREE-Assignment in Module-3

PARASYMPATHETIC VS.
SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) controls homeostasis and the body at rest
and is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" function. The sympathetic nervous
system (SNS) controls the body's responses to a perceived threat and is responsible for
the "fight or flight" response.

Parasympathetic Sympathetic nervous

nervous system system

Introduction: The parasympathetic nervous system is The sympathetic nervous system

one of the two main divisions of the
autonomic nervous system (ANS). Its
general function is to control
homeostasis and the body's rest-and-
digest response
(SNS) is one of two main divisions
of the autonomic nervous system
(ANS). Its general action is to
mobilize the body's fight-or-flight
response.

Function Control the body's response while at rest Control the body's response during
perceived threat.
Activates response of Rest and digest Fight-or-flight
Longer pathways, slower system Very short neurons, faster system
Neuron Pathways
General Body Response Counterbalance; restores body Body speeds up, tenses up,
to state of calm becomes more alert. Functions not
critical to survival shut down

Cardiovascular System Decreases heart rate Increases contraction, heart rate

(heart rate)

Pulmonary System (lungs) Bronchial tubes constrict Bronchial tubes dilate

Musculoskeletal System Muscles relax Muscles contract

Pupils Constrict Dilate

Gastrointestinal Increases stomach movement Decreases stomach movement

System and secretions and secretions

Salivary Glands Saliva production increases Saliva production decreases

Adrenal Gland No involvement Releases adrenaline

Glycogen to Glucose No involvement Increases; converts glycogen

Conversion to glucose for muscle energy

Urinary Response Increase in urinary output Decrease in urinary output

neurons are cholinergic: neurons are mostly adrenergic:

Neurotransmitters
acetylcholine epinephrine / norepinephrine
(acetylcholine)

The parasympathetic nervous system is a slower system and moves along longer pathways.
Preganglionic fibers from the medulla or spinal cord project ganglia close to the target organ. They
create a synapse, which eventually creates the desired response.
The sympathetic nervous system is a faster system as it moves along very short neurons. When the
system is activated, it activates the adrenal medulla to release hormones and chemical receptors
into the bloodstreams. The target glands and muscles get activated. Once the perceived danger is
gone, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over to counterbalance the effects of the
sympathetic nervous system's responses.