The term relates to the peripheral nervous system and refers to the inflow into the CNS of
(a) sensory impressions from the skin;
b) sensory impressions from the musculoskeletal system (musculoskeletal system)
(c) visual impressions
(d) auditory impressions;
(e) balance impression;
The term also includes the sensory neurons that convey the above sensory impressions. For example, it can be said that a certain nerve fibre belongs to the somatically afferent group if it conveys sensory signals from the skin, e.t.c.