Endocrine System

Differences Between Autonomic and Somatic Nervous System

The autonomic and somatic nervous system which are the two branches of the peripheral nervous system are poles apart in ter Point of Difference Autonomic Nervous System Somatic Nervous System Main Function Its main function is to carry out the functions that are mostly below the normal consciousness level; the visceral

Number of Neuron From CNS to Effector Organ There are two different neurons that form the pathway of the autonomic nervou

Further Subdivisions It is further divided into two more divisions - the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic ne

Target Organ/s As the autonomic nervous system is further divided into so many different parts, it is but obvious that the targe

Effect of Stimulation Stimulation of the autonomic nervous system can lead to various effects. The sympathetic and parasympat

Number of Ganglia The autonomic nervous system has chain ganglia present along its pathway. There are no ganglia along its p

Neurotransmitters The neurotransmitters present along the path of the autonomic nervous system include acetylcholine, adrena

As you can see in the table above, differentiating between these two parts of the peripheral nervous system is as good as differ

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ipheral nervous system are poles apart in terms of function, sub-division, targeted organs, etc. As you make your way through the table which prov

the normal consciousness level; the visceral functions is an apt example of the same. In short, this is the system that adjusts and maintains the int nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. At times, the enteric nervous system is also said to be a part of the autonomic nervous

at form the pathway of the autonomic nervous system, from the spinal cord to the target organ or tissue. The first neuron, which is the preganglion

ifferent parts, it is but obvious that the target organs for this system are many. Basically, the nerves of the autonomic nervous system are associat its pathway. There are no ganglia along its pathway.

ous effects. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems have the exact opposite effect, and help the body adjust instantly to a situation

nervous system include acetylcholine, adrenaline and noradrenaline. The only neurotransmitter that acts along the somatic nervous system is acety

eripheral nervous system is as good as differentiating between chalk and cheese. Other than the fact that they are both branches of the peripheral

make your way through the table which provides the details of the two divisions of the peripheral nervous system, you will get well-versed with all

the system that adjusts and maintains the internal environment of the body. It is the part of the peripheral nervous system that is associated with v

ue. The first neuron, which is the preganglionic neuron, runs from the brain or spinal cord and ends at the postganglionic neuron. The second neuro

o said to be a part of the autonomic nervous system. There are no further subdivisions of the somatic nervous system.

f the autonomic nervous system are associated with the functioning of internal organs like the heart, lungs, viscera and various glands. The somati

d help the body adjust instantly to a situation. The sympathetic nervous system - also referred to as the fight or flight response of the body, increas

ts along the somatic nervous system is acetylcholine.

hat they are both branches of the peripheral nervous system, these two have very little in common. Thus, it can be safely said that these two parts

ous system, you will get well-versed with all the differences between the two.

heral nervous system that is associated with voluntary movements of the body that are within our control, that is, with the help of skeletal muscles.

the postganglionic neuron. The second neuron, on the other hand, runs from the autonomic ganglion to the effector or the target tissue. The somat

ungs, viscera and various glands. The somatic nervous system only innervates the voluntary, i.e. the skeletal muscles.

e fight or flight response of the body, increases blood flow to the skeletal muscles and lungs, increases the heart rate, dilates the pupils, inhibits pe

hus, it can be safely said that these two parts of the peripheral nervous system work in tandem with each other so as to ensure a state of homeosta

rol, that is, with the help of skeletal muscles. This is basically the system that helps the body to adjust to the external environment.

o the effector or the target tissue. The somatic nervous system has a single neuron running from the spinal cord, and directly ending in and innerva

s the heart rate, dilates the pupils, inhibits peristalsis and stimulates an orgasm. The parasympathetic nervous system increases blood flow to the g

ch other so as to ensure a state of homeostasis in the body.

to the external environment.

pinal cord, and directly ending in and innervating the skeletal muscle.

nervous system increases blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, constricts the pupils, stimulate secretions and peristalsis and also stimulates sexu

tions and peristalsis and also stimulates sexual arousal. The somatic nervous system, since it only innervates skeletal muscles, is solely responsible

ervates skeletal muscles, is solely responsible for bringing about contraction of skeletal muscles, usually in the form of a reflex.

y in the form of a reflex.