autonomic nervous system

Autonomic and Somatic Innervation

Skeletal muscle is innervated by somatic nerves, controlling voluntary actions
All other innervated structures are supplied by the autonomic or involuntary system.
Somatic system: No ganglia present
Autonomic nervous system (ANS) has ganglia.
these ganglia are sites at which preganglionic fibers form synaptic connections with postganglionic neurons
these ganglia are located outside the cerebrospinal axis
Other differences between Somatic and Autonomic Innervation
Motor nerves to skeletal muscle: myelinated
Postganglionic autonomic nerves are nonmyelinated
Denervation of skeletal muscle results in paralysis and atrophy
Denervated smooth muscle or glands retain some activity .