Which nervous system division deals with conscious control of movement?

Study for the NMAT Biology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements and conscious control of skeletal muscles. It enables individuals to perform activities such as walking, writing, or playing sports by sending motor commands from the brain through the spinal cord to the muscles. This system comprises motor neurons that are specifically tasked with regulating the actions of these muscles, which are under conscious control.

Although the autonomic nervous system is involved in regulating involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion, it does not deal with voluntary movements. The peripheral nervous system encompasses all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, including both the somatic and autonomic systems, but it does not specifically account for the conscious control aspect. The central nervous system, consisting of the brain and spinal cord, does play a crucial role in processing movement commands, but the execution of those commands falls under the somatic nervous system. Hence, the somatic nervous system is the correct answer as it directly corresponds to the conscious control of movement.

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