MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Visceral sensory neurons monitor the internal environment and organ systems. Within the peripheral nerves, somatic fibers innervate skin, muscle, joints and the walls of the body. Visceral fibers innervate blood vessels and internal organs. Sensory fibers are afferent, while motor fibers are efferent.

Detailed explanation-2: -Somatic sensory input comes from the receptors of the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin. These organs transmit information we associate with the five senses. Visceral sensory input comes from (surprise!) the viscera, or internal organs.

Detailed explanation-3: -The visceral (or autonomic) motor system controls involuntary functions mediated by the activity of smooth muscle fibers, cardiac muscle fibers, and glands.

Detailed explanation-4: -Visceral sensation is carried primarily by the spinothalamic and spinoreticular pathways, which transmit visceral pain and sexual sensations. The dorsal columns may relay sensations related to micturition, defecation, and gastric distention.