Somatic- adverb
1. Relating to the body or physical characteristics, rather than the mind or psychological aspects.
2. Pertaining to the soma, the totality of the biological body, excluding reproductive cells, but including cells that undergo mutations over the lifespan of an organism.
3. In genetics and molecular biology, referring to mutations or changes occurring in the body cells of an organism, as opposed to the germ cells or hereditary material.
4. In relation to medicine or medical treatments, concerning the body's physical symptoms or ailments, particularly those that can be observed or felt by the patient or medical professional.
Derived from the Latin word "soma", meaning "body", the term somatic primarily denotes a connection to the physical aspects of an organism or its body as opposed to cognitive or psychological dimensions. It can be used to describe a wide range of concepts relating to the body, from physical characteristics and visible symptoms to cellular mutations occurring during an organism's lifespan.
In the context of genetics, the term somatic refers to changes or mutations that arise in the body cells of an organism, as opposed to those that occur in the germ cells responsible for hereditary information. This distinction is particularly significant when considering the transmission of genetic information to offspring.
Additionally, somatic is often employed in medical contexts to describe physical symptoms or ailments experienced by an individual that can be observed or felt, distinguishing them from psychological or emotional conditions. It can refer to symptoms such as pain, rashes, or any other physical manifestation of an illness.
In summary, somatic relates to the physical or bodily aspects of an organism, encompassing characteristics, mutations, and medical symptoms that are visible, felt, or occur in the body cells rather than the mind or hereditary material.
