Question

multiple choice question
the ______ division of the peripheral nervous system functions involuntarily without awareness.

autonomic
sympathetic
somatic
parasympathetic

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• The autonomic division of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) controls involuntary functions (like heart rate, digestion) without conscious awareness.
• The sympathetic and parasympathetic are subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system, not the main division that fits the description.
• The somatic division of the PNS controls voluntary movements (like moving limbs) and is under conscious control.

So the autonomic division matches the description of functioning involuntarily without awareness.

Answer:

A. autonomic