somatic nervous system
noun
physiol
the section of the nervous system responsible for sensation and control of the skeletal muscles
Compare autonomic nervous system
Words nearby somatic nervous system
Cultural definitions for somatic nervous system
somatic nervous system
[ (soh-mat-ik) ]
The part of the nervous system that controls voluntary movements in the body, such as those performed by the skeletal muscles (see muscular system). The somatic nervous system also includes the special nerve fibers that help keep the body in touch with its surroundings, such as those involved in touch, hearing, and sight.