Which conveys response from the CNS to skeletal muscles by way of the somatic system?

Which conveys response from the CNS to skeletal muscles by way of the somatic system?

• A. Afferent nervous system
• B. Neurons
• C. Efferent neurons
• D. Skeletal muscles

Answer: (C)

Motor commands from the CNS to skeletal muscles are carried by efferent neurons. In the somatic nervous system, these motor neurons originate in the CNS and project to skeletal muscle fibers, releasing acetylcholine to initiate contraction at the neuromuscular junction. Afferent pathways carry sensory information back to the CNS and do not convey the CNS’s response to muscles. Simply “neurons” is too broad, and skeletal muscles are the targets, not the carriers. So the pathway described—CNS to skeletal muscle via efferent neurons—properly represents the somatic motor system.

Motor commands from the CNS to skeletal muscles are carried by efferent neurons. In the somatic nervous system, these motor neurons originate in the CNS and project to skeletal muscle fibers, releasing acetylcholine to initiate contraction at the neuromuscular junction. Afferent pathways carry sensory information back to the CNS and do not convey the CNS’s response to muscles. Simply “neurons” is too broad, and skeletal muscles are the targets, not the carriers. So the pathway described—CNS to skeletal muscle via efferent neurons—properly represents the somatic motor system.