The autonomic division of the nervous system directs
(a) Voluntary motor activity
(b) Conscious control of skeletal muscles
(c) Unconscious control of skeletal muscles
(d) Processes that maintain homeostasis
(e) Sensory input from the skin

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the autonomic nervous system (ANS) as a part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal.
2. Step 2: Recognize that voluntary motor activity and conscious control of skeletal muscles are functions of the somatic nervous system, not the autonomic nervous system.
3. Step 3: Note that unconscious control of skeletal muscles is not typically a function of the autonomic nervous system, since skeletal muscles are generally under voluntary control, though some reflexes may be involuntary.
4. Step 4: Identify that the autonomic nervous system primarily regulates processes that maintain homeostasis, such as controlling smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands without conscious effort.
5. Step 5: Understand that sensory input from the skin is processed by the somatic sensory system, not the autonomic nervous system, which mainly deals with internal organ regulation.

Key Concepts

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. It operates without conscious effort and helps maintain internal balance, or homeostasis, by regulating smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands.

Voluntary vs. Involuntary Control

Voluntary control involves conscious movement of skeletal muscles, managed by the somatic nervous system. In contrast, involuntary control, managed by the autonomic nervous system, regulates functions that occur without conscious awareness, such as heartbeat and digestion.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. The autonomic nervous system plays a key role in this by adjusting physiological processes like blood pressure and temperature to keep conditions optimal for survival.