In what ways are the autonomic and the somatic nervous systems different?

Question

What will be an ideal response

Answer 1

1. The autonomic is a two-neuron system; the somatic uses one outside the CNS.
2. The autonomic uses smaller neuron fibers (type B or C) to innervate smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and glands; the somatic generally uses type A fibers for rapid transmission to skeletal muscle.
3. The autonomic is mostly involuntary and automatic; the somatic is voluntary.
4. The autonomic uses several neurotransmitters and many receptor types; the somatic uses only one.
5. The autonomic is a slow system; the somatic is a fast system.
6. The autonomic has opposing forces to regulate the body; the somatic does not.