The peripheral neural system is divided into two parts; these parts are called the somatic neural system and… - UP CHO - 10 September 2021

UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Applied Anatomy

Easy

Appeared in: UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Explanation

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is fundamentally divided into two main components based on function.
The first is the somatic nervous system, which governs voluntary actions by controlling skeletal muscles.
The second is the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which manages involuntary bodily functions.
The ANS regulates smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands to maintain homeostasis.
The ANS itself is further divided into the sympathetic ('fight-or-flight') and parasympathetic ('rest-and-digest') systems.

Option A: The 'spinal neural system' is not a recognized functional division of the PNS. Spinal nerves are anatomical structures that are part of the PNS, but they carry both somatic and autonomic fibers.
Option B: While the ANS controls visceral functions, making 'visceral nervous system' a descriptive synonym, the standard and correct terminological pairing is 'somatic' and 'autonomic'.
Option C: The sympathetic nervous system is a subdivision of the autonomic nervous system. The question asks for the main division that is parallel to the somatic system, not a sub-part of the other main division.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Organization of the Peripheral Nervous System as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's understanding of the ANS is crucial for pharmacology. Many medications, such as beta-blockers (acting on the sympathetic system) and anticholinergics (acting on the parasympathetic system), are designed to target this system.
When administering these drugs, nurses must monitor for effects on involuntary functions, including changes in heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and pupillary response.
What if? If a patient is given a drug that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system (a sympathomimetic), the nurse would anticipate and monitor for an increased heart rate (tachycardia), elevated blood pressure, and dilated pupils (mydriasis).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the organizational structure of the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Recall the main, top-level divisions of the nervous system. The entire system divides into the Central (CNS) and Peripheral (PNS).
Focus on the PNS. Remember its two primary functional branches.
The question provides one branch: the somatic (voluntary) system. Your task is to identify its counterpart.
Evaluate the options. Eliminate any that are subdivisions of the correct answer (like 'sympathetic system') or are not standard classification terms ('spinal neural system').
Select the option that represents the other main functional division of the PNS, which is the autonomic (involuntary) system.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Organization of the Peripheral Nervous System
Stem keywords: peripheral neural system, somatic neural system, divided into two parts
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE

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