Multiple Choice
The sympathetic division is anatomically more complex than the parasympathetic division.
14. The Autonomic Nervous System
Parasympathetic Nervous System
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What is the function of the somatic nervous system?
A
to stimulate involuntary muscles
B
to signal pain and heat
C
to stimulate skeletal muscles
D
to stimulate glandular functions
Verified step by step guidance1
Begin by understanding the somatic nervous system, which is a part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for voluntary control of body movements via skeletal muscles.
Recognize that the somatic nervous system is distinct from the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and glandular activities.
Identify the primary function of the somatic nervous system: it facilitates communication between the central nervous system and skeletal muscles, allowing for voluntary movements.
Consider the types of signals transmitted by the somatic nervous system, which include motor signals to stimulate muscle contraction and sensory signals to relay information about the external environment, such as pain and temperature.
Conclude that the somatic nervous system's role is to stimulate skeletal muscles, enabling voluntary movements and responses to external stimuli.
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