Problem 7 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Which of the following system relays impulse from CNS to skeletal muscles? (a) Somatic neural system (b) Sympathetic neural system (c) Parasympathetic neural system (d) Autonomic neural system

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The correct answer is (a) Somatic neural system.

Step 1: Overview of Different Neural Systems

The first step is understanding the responsibility of each neural system. \n(a) Somatic neural system is responsible for carrying sensory and motor information to and from the CNS, particularly involving voluntary movements of the skeletal muscles. \n(b) The Sympathetic neural system is part of the autonomic nervous system and is involved in preparing the body for stress-related activities ('fight or flight'). \n(c) The Parasympathetic neural system, also part of the autonomic nervous system, is involved in resting and digesting activities. \n(d) The Autonomic neural system, controls involuntary activities of the body (internal organs), it can be further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Step 2: Selection of the Correct Neural System

Now, narrow down the choices based on the question, which asks for the system that relays impulses from CNS to skeletal muscles, this is explicitly stated as the function of the Somatic neural system.

Step 3: Final Answer

Based on the operational area and the functional role of the different neural systems, it can be deduced that the Somatic neural system is the correct answer.

Key Concepts

Central Nervous System (CNS)

The Central Nervous System, also known as the CNS, acts as the command center of the body. It consists of two main parts: the brain and the spinal cord. These components work closely together to process information and coordinate bodily functions.

• Brain: Responsible for interpreting incoming data and orchestrating responses. It controls complex behaviors and even simple reflexes.
• Spinal Cord: Serves as a communication superhighway, transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Together, they ensure that the body responds appropriately to external stimuli, whether it involves generating voluntary actions through the somatic neural system or coordinating involuntary responses via the autonomic nervous system.

Autonomic Nervous System

The Autonomic Nervous System is critical for controlling the automatic functions in our bodies, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It operates involuntarily and is divided into two main branches:

• Sympathetic Nervous System: Prepares the body for stress-related activities. Often referred to as the "fight or flight" system, it increases heart rate, dilates pupils, and mobilizes energy.
• Parasympathetic Nervous System: Promotes the "rest and digest" state, conserving energy by slowing down the heart rate and aiding in digestion.

Each branch of the autonomic nervous system is essential for maintaining homeostasis and responding appropriately to different situations, automatically adjusting the body’s internal environment to match the external conditions.

Skeletal Muscles

Skeletal muscles are a type of muscle tissue that is connected to our bones. They play a crucial role in enabling the movement of parts or the entire body. Unlike smooth and cardiac muscles, skeletal muscles are under voluntary control through the somatic nervous system.

• Function: Responsible for movements like walking, talking, and picking up objects. These muscles contract and relax under the instructions of the CNS.
• Structure: Composed of bundles of fibers, they appear striped or striated. This structure allows for a high degree of flexibility and force generation.

Understanding skeletal muscles is essential to grasp how we consciously control our movements and respond to our environment through interactions orchestrated by the CNS and the somatic neural system.