5.2: Introduction

The nervous system can be organized into two distinct functional components: the somatic nervous system (SNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). These two systems manifest their primary disparities in the responses they elicit. The efferent branch of the SNS orchestrates the contraction of skeletal muscles. In contrast, the motor division of the ANS assumes command over cardiac and smooth muscle, as well as glandular tissue. While the SNS governs voluntary responses (though several occur without conscious awareness, such as breathing), the ANS is the orchestrator behind involuntary responses, particularly those integral to maintaining homeostasis.

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