somatic nervous system

noun

1. See autonomic nervous system
   physiol the section of the nervous system responsible for sensation and control of the skeletal muscles Compare autonomic nervous system

somatic nervous system

1. 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.