Which division of the peripheral nervous system primarily controls voluntary (conscious) actions of skeletal muscles?

• A. Enteric nervous system
• B. Sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system
• C. Parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system
• D. Somatic nervous system

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is divided into two main parts: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements by innervating skeletal muscles, allowing conscious control.
3. Step 3: Note that the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions and is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, which control smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.
4. Step 4: Identify that the enteric nervous system specifically manages the gastrointestinal tract and operates largely independently of conscious control.
5. Step 5: Conclude that since voluntary (conscious) control of skeletal muscles is required, the somatic nervous system is the division responsible for this function.