Understanding the Autonomic and Somatic Divisions - AP Biology

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Question

Which division of the nervous system only innervates skeletal muscle?

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Answer

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.

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