**Core Concept**
Somato-sensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) are electrical signals generated by the brain in response to sensory stimuli, providing information about the integrity of the sensory pathways from the periphery to the cortex. SSEPs are commonly used to assess the function of the spinal cord and brain in patients with neurological disorders.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
SSEPs are recorded from the scalp and are generated by the activation of afferent nerve fibers in response to sensory stimuli, such as electrical impulses. The signals are then transmitted to the spinal cord and brain, where they are processed and eventually return to the scalp as a response. SSEPs are typically recorded in response to median and tibial nerve stimulation, which activates the sensory pathways in the arm and leg, respectively.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because SSEPs are not typically used to assess the function of the autonomic nervous system. While SSEPs can provide information about the integrity of the sensory pathways, they do not directly assess the function of the autonomic nervous system.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because SSEPs are not typically used to assess the function of the motor pathways. While SSEPs can provide information about the integrity of the sensory pathways, they do not directly assess the function of the motor pathways.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because SSEPs are not typically used to assess the function of the visual pathways. While SSEPs can provide information about the integrity of the sensory pathways, they do not directly assess the function of the visual pathways.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
One important clinical application of SSEPs is in the monitoring of patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures, such as spinal cord surgery or brain surgery. SSEPs can provide real-time information about the function of the sensory pathways and can help guide the surgical team to avoid damaging these critical pathways.

**Correct Answer: D. SSEPs are not typically used to assess the function of the motor pathways.**