Your body's "conscious" nervous system: Let's learn about this amazing network (Somatic Nervous System)

Have you ever wondered how you can move your arms and legs at will, or how you can feel the heat of a hot cup of tea? Behind all this is a very amazing, complex communication network in our body. The part of that network that we consciously control is called the Somatic Nervous System. Today, let's talk about this amazing system in simple terms.

What is the Somatic Nervous System?

Simply put, the somatic nervous system is the part of our nervous system that we consciously control . That is, the things you do consciously. For example, things like walking, touching something with your hands, and talking. It is also through this system that the sensations we receive from our five senses, that is, what we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch, are carried to the brain.

Now you might be thinking, "Then who controls the things we don't think about, like our heart rate and breathing?" That's why we have another part of our body called the Autonomic Nervous System . It's like an automatic system. Even if we don't think about it, those things happen all the time.

To further explain the difference between the two, look at this simple table.

What are the two main functions of this system?

This somatic nervous system performs two main functions for our body.

1. Sensory Input: Imagine a mosquito biting your hand. How does that touch feel to you? The nerve endings in your skin pick up the sensation and send the message along the nerves to the spinal cord and from there to the brain. All sensations, such as smell, taste, and sound, travel to the brain through this system. (Sight is a little different. The retina and optic nerve are directly connected to the brain.)

2. Movement Control: Now that mosquito has landed on your hand, you think about swatting it with your other hand. When that command is sent from your brain, it travels along these somatic nerves to the muscles in your hand. Then your hand moves in that way. Every movement we make, from walking to blinking, happens in this way.

What is this neural network made of?

This entire nervous system is like an incredibly complex wiring system. It has several main parts.

• Neurons: These are nerve cells. They are like electrical wires. They carry messages (signals) back and forth. There are three main parts to a neuron.
• Cell body: This is the main control center of the neuron.
• Axon: A long, thread-like part that extends from the cell body. It is along this that messages are carried.
• Dendrites: Branches that extend out like the branches of a tree. These are where messages from other neurons are received.
• Myelin: A fatty sheath that surrounds the axon of some neurons. It's like the plastic wrap around a wire. It speeds up the transmission of messages.

• Glial cells: These are a type of cell that helps, protects, and nourishes neurons. They are like the neurons' "support team."

What are the common diseases and conditions that affect the somatic nervous system?

Like any other part of our body, the nervous system can be damaged by disease or injury. This condition is commonly called peripheral neuropathy . Here are some of the possible causes.

• Type 2 Diabetes: If diabetes is not well controlled, high blood sugar levels can damage nerves over time, especially in the legs and arms. This is why many diabetics experience numbness and loss of sensation in their legs.
• Autoimmune conditions: This is when our body's own immune system attacks our own nerves. An example is Guillain-Barré syndrome .
• Infections: Some viral and bacterial infections can damage nerves. For example, the nerve pain that lasts for a while after shingles.
• Accidents and Trauma: An accident can cause permanent damage by cutting, crushing, or pulling a nerve. Sometimes an injury can cause swelling, which can compress a nerve. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs when a nerve that runs through the wrist is compressed.
• Poisons and toxins: Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and agrochemicals can be toxic to the nervous system.
• Some medications: Some chemotherapy drugs for cancer and some antibiotics can damage nerves as a side effect.
• Tumors: Tumors, whether cancerous or benign, can form near nerves and cause problems by pressing on them.

What could be the symptoms of a nervous system problem like this?

Symptoms depend on which nerves are damaged. Let's take a look at the main symptoms.

What can we do to protect ourselves from nervous system diseases?

In most cases, we can reduce the risk of developing these nervous system diseases. There are a few things we can do to do that.

• Eat a balanced diet: Vitamins, especially those in the B group, are essential for a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage.
• Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight: Exercise can help control diseases like diabetes. It can also help reduce the risk of accidents by keeping your body strong.
• Wear safety equipment: Using the necessary safety equipment (e.g. helmet, gloves) while working or riding a bicycle can help prevent nerve damage from accidents.
• Manage your existing medical conditions: If you have a medical condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Take your medications on time.

This somatic nervous system is something we use every moment of our daily lives, but we don't think much about it. This amazing system helps us learn about the world and interact with it. So it's our responsibility to keep it healthy.