The somatic nervous system ( SNS ) is the part of the peripheral nervous system It controls voluntary body movements by skeletal muscles , and sensory input of external stimuli ( e.g. , touch , hearing , and sight ) . The somatic nervous system ( SNS ) is the part of the peripheral nervous system associated with the voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles , and with sensory reception of external stimuli ( e.g. , touch , hearing , and sight ) .