Question

controlling voluntary skeletal muscles is a function of the ______ nervous system.
a. sympathetic
b. somatic
c. autonomic
d. central

please select the best answer from the choices provided

○ a
○ b
○ c
○ d

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic system and deals with "fight - or - flight" responses, not voluntary muscle control.
• Option B: The somatic nervous system is responsible for controlling voluntary skeletal muscles. It transmits signals from the central nervous system to the skeletal muscles to enable voluntary movements.
• Option C: The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, etc., not voluntary skeletal muscles.
• Option D: The central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) processes information but the direct control of voluntary skeletal muscles is by the somatic nervous system, not the central nervous system in this specific functional role.

Answer:

B. somatic