SOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

The somatic division of the peripheral nervous system that relay information between skin, skeletal muscles and central nervous system. In essence it controls the voluntary actions in man. For instance, you can decide before lifting your hand or leg.

It also deals with reflexes:  Automatic response to stimulus.

Functions of the somatic nervous system.

Some of the functions of the somatic nervous system are:

1. Motor neurons that control voluntary movements by activating skeletal muscles.
2. Also involved in what we perceive as involuntary movements, such as reflexes (though voluntary control of the muscles involved, such as tensing them, can reduce the response).