Final answer:
Mechanical stimulations involve physical stimuli processed by the somatic nervous system, leading to voluntary responses such as muscle contraction. Chemical stimulations involve chemical messengers like neurotransmitters, processed by the autonomic nervous system for involuntary, homeostatic responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference Between Mechanical and Chemical Stimulations
The main difference between mechanical and chemical stimulations lies in the type of signal that activates a response in the body's cells. Mechanical stimulation refers to physical forces that cause a physiological response, such as touch, pressure, or vibration, and is typically processed by the somatic nervous system. On the other hand, chemical stimulation involves chemical messengers, such as neurotransmitters and hormones, and is often associated with both the endocrine system and the chemical synapses within the nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system, a part of the peripheral nervous system, is primarily involved in chemical stimulations for involuntary responses dealing with homeostasis, and involves both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. It uses signaling molecules like neurotransmitters and hormones to regulate various organ systems. The somatic nervous system, also part of the peripheral nervous system, responds to mechanical stimulations leading to the voluntary contraction of skeletal muscles.