AP Biology : Understanding the Autonomic and Somatic Divisions
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology
All AP Biology Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #6 : Divisions Of The Nervous System
Somatic motor neurons are found in which section of the spinal cord?
Dorsal root ganglion
Ventral horn
Lateral horn
Dorsal horn
Ventral horn
The nervous system has two principle divisions for function and two principle divisions for structure. Structurally, there are the central and peripheral nervous system divisions. Functionally, there are the somatic and autonomic divisions.
The spinal cord is found in the central nervous system, and is structurally divided into afferent sensory neurons and efferent motor neurons. Sensory neuron cell bodies are found in the dorsal root ganglion, while somatic motor neurons are found in the ventral horn of the spinal cord.
Example Question #1 : Understanding The Autonomic And Somatic Divisions
Which division of the nervous system only innervates skeletal muscle?
Parasympathetic nervous system
Sympathetic nervous system
Somatic nervous system
Peripheral nervous system
Somatic nervous system
The nervous system has two principle divisions for function and two principle divisions for structure. Structurally, there are the central and peripheral nervous system divisions. Functionally, there are the somatic and autonomic divisions.
The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary actions, namely the innervation of skeletal muscle. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for all involuntary actions, including smooth muscle contraction, glandular stimulation, and other functions.
The peripheral nervous system carries both somatic and autonomic signals, innervating the entire periphery (not just skeletal muscle). The sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the nervous system are both autonomic. Though they innervate some skeletal muscles, they also play keys roles in other bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure regulation.
The somatic nervous system is the only division to only innervate skeletal muscle.
Example Question #2 : Divisions Of The Nervous System
A sensory/receptor cell in the somatic nervous system would likely come from an __________, while a sensory/receptor cell in the autonomic nervous system would likely come from a(n) __________.
eye . . . nose
external receptor such as an eye, ear, or nose . . . internal receptor such as a chemoreceptor, baroreceptor, or thermoreceptor
internal receptor such as a chemoreceptor, baroreceptor, or thermoreceptor . . . external receptor such as an eye, ear, or nose
internal receptor such as an eye, ear, or nose . . . external receptor such as a chemoreceptor, baroreceptor, or thermoreceptor
external receptor such as an eye, ear, or nose . . . internal receptor such as a chemoreceptor, baroreceptor, or thermoreceptor
The somatic nervous system is responsible for chiefly voluntary, conscious behavior, such as choosing a reaction to external stimuli sensed by one of the traditional five senses. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for involuntary bodily function, and can respond to sensations such as gas concentrations in the blood, changes in blood pressure, and slight deviations in body temperature, among many others.
Certified Tutor
All AP Biology Resources
