Texas Cosmetology Operator Written ExamAnatomy and PhysiologyHard
A cosmetologist is performing a scalp massage. Which part of the nervous system is primarily responsible for transmitting the sensation of touch and pressure from the scalp to the brain?
- ACentral nervous system
- BSomatic nervous system
- CEnteric nervous system
- DAutonomic nervous system
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Somatic nervous system
The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements and transmitting sensory information from the skin and muscles (like touch and pressure from the scalp) to the central nervous system for processing.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) processes sensory information, but the somatic nervous system is responsible for *transmitting* that information from the periphery.
- C. The enteric nervous system controls the gastrointestinal tract, independent of the brain and spinal cord.
- D. The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary body functions like heart rate and digestion.
Somatic Nervous System
The somatic nervous system is a component of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements and conveys sensory information from the body's periphery to the central nervous system.
- Responsible for voluntary control of skeletal muscles.
- Transmits sensory input (touch, pain, temperature, proprioception) from skin and muscles.
- Uses sensory (afferent) neurons to send information to the CNS.
- Uses motor (efferent) neurons to send commands to skeletal muscles.
Memory trick: Somatic is your 'Sense & Move' system.