Which of the following best describes the primary function of the somatic nervous system in the organization of the nervous system?

• A. It controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.
• B. It processes sensory information in the brain's occipital lobe.
• C. It is responsible for the release of hormones into the bloodstream.
• D. It regulates involuntary activities such as heartbeat and digestion.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of the nervous system, which is broadly divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
2. Step 2: Recognize that the peripheral nervous system is further divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
3. Step 3: Identify the primary role of the somatic nervous system, which is to control voluntary movements by transmitting motor commands from the CNS to skeletal muscles.
4. Step 4: Differentiate this from the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions such as heartbeat and digestion.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the somatic nervous system's main function is controlling voluntary movements of skeletal muscles, not processing sensory information in the occipital lobe or hormone release.