(Taylor 148). The somatic nervous system depends on our
voluntary control and its effectors are skeletal muscles. For
example, we use the somatic nervous system when we reach
for a glass of lemonade. The autonomic nervous system
performs involuntary and automatic actions. Its effectors are
smooth muscles, cardiac muscle, and glands (Taylor 148). This
system’s jobs include making sure that we digest the nutrients
we consume.
The cells that allow cooperation between the brain and other
parts of the body are neurons. Neurons are the specialized cells
found in the nervous system. The classification of neurons
depends on the direction in which they send impulses. Sensory
neurons collect information from our senses. They are afferent,
meaning they direct impulses to the CNS. Motor neurons,
which are efferent, send messages from the CNS to other parts
of the body. Finally, interneurons direct information from one
neuron to another within the CNS. They link the sensory and
motor neurons. When you experience a reflex, interneurons
send messages to provide further assistance for the body. For
example, interneurons can transmit impulses to other parts of
the CNS to help you retain balance as you react abruptly
(Taylor 150).