Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

45. Nervous System

Central and Peripheral Nervous System

General Biology

45. Nervous System

Central and Peripheral Nervous System

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4:40 minutes

Problem 7

Textbook Question

Compare and contrast the somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the primary function: The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements of the muscles, while the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

Examine the components: The somatic nervous system consists of motor neurons that connect the central nervous system to the target muscles. The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which work to balance the body's response to various stimuli.

Discuss the control mechanisms: The somatic nervous system operates under conscious control, meaning one can decide to move muscles. In contrast, the autonomic nervous system functions without conscious control to manage physiological functions.

Explore the neurotransmitters involved: The somatic nervous system primarily uses acetylcholine to stimulate muscle contractions. The autonomic nervous system uses both acetylcholine and norepinephrine, depending on whether the action is part of the sympathetic or parasympathetic system.

Consider the impact of external stress: The autonomic nervous system is heavily involved in the body's response to stress, activating the 'fight or flight' response through the sympathetic system, and calming the body down through the parasympathetic system. The somatic nervous system does not directly engage with stress response but can be influenced indirectly as muscles tense up during stress.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Somatic Nervous System

The somatic nervous system (SNS) is a component of the peripheral nervous system responsible for voluntary control of body movements. It consists of motor neurons that innervate skeletal muscles, allowing for conscious actions such as walking or picking up objects. The SNS also transmits sensory information from the body to the central nervous system, enabling the perception of external stimuli.

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary physiological functions, including heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It operates without conscious control and is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes 'rest and digest' activities. This balance is crucial for maintaining homeostasis.

Comparison of SNS and ANS

While both the somatic and autonomic nervous systems are integral parts of the peripheral nervous system, they serve distinct functions. The SNS is involved in voluntary movements and sensory processing, whereas the ANS manages involuntary bodily functions. Additionally, the SNS typically involves a single neuron pathway from the spinal cord to the muscle, while the ANS uses a two-neuron pathway to connect the central nervous system to target organs.

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