Final answer:
Innervation superior to the pectinate line is autonomic (sympathetic and parasympathetic), and is typically not consciously felt, while inferior to the pectinate line, innervation is somatic, allowing for conscious sensation and voluntary movement. The autonomic nervous system comprises sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, which have opposing effects on the body's functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The innervation above and below the pectinate line differs significantly, dividing into somatic and autonomic innervation. Above the pectinate line, the innervation is provided by the autonomic nervous system, specifically by the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. This area primarily receives visceral sensations, which are generally not consciously perceived. Below the pectinate line, however, the area is innervated by the somatic nervous system, which means the nerves here provide both sensory (feeling pain, temperature, etc.) and motor information (controlling muscle movement) and are under voluntary control.
The autonomic nervous system is subdivided into the sympathetic division and parasympathetic division, with each having different effects on the body's organs and glands. The sympathetic division prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations, often referred to as the fight-or-flight response, whereas the parasympathetic division is responsible for conserving energy and promoting 'rest-and-digest' activities when the body is at rest.