Question

What is an example of an activity that is under the control of the somatic nervous system?

Answer 1

A reflex movement, like the gag reflex.

Explanation:

The Somatic nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system alongside the Autonomic nervous system (which is composed of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous systems). The Somatic System controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles (as opposed to autonomic) and reflex movements. Sensory (afferent) neurons take sensory information to the central nervous system, while efferent neurons carry information from the central nervous system to the rest of the body. The efferent neurons tell muscles and organs what to do, and in this case gag.