Question

In the peripheral nervous system, the _________________ division controls voluntary movement, whereas the _________________ division controls organs that keep us alive and function without our awareness.

Short answer

The somatic division controls voluntary movement, whereas the autonomic division controls organs that keep us alive and function without our awareness.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the Division that Controls Voluntary Movement

The way our body moves when we intend it to is governed by the somatic nervous system. This division is responsible for voluntary control over muscles, mainly skeletal muscles. So, the missing term here is 'somatic'.

Identifying the Division that Controls Functioning of Organs without our Awareness

The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that regulates the functioning of our organs without our conscious control. This includes the heart, digestive system, respiratory system etc. So, the missing term here is 'autonomic'.

Key concepts

Peripheral Nervous System

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the brain and spinal cord, which together form the central nervous system (CNS), and the rest of the body. The PNS is like a vast network of communication highways that allow the CNS to exchange information with limbs, skin, organs, and other body parts.
It is divided into two main parts: the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. Each part has distinct functions, governing both voluntary actions like moving your arm and involuntary actions like your heartbeat.

• The PNS helps in transmitting sensory information to the CNS.
• It carries motor commands from CNS to the muscles.
• It influences reflex actions as well as regulates involuntary physiological processes.

Somatic Nervous System

The somatic nervous system (SNS) is part of the peripheral nervous system that handlesthe aspects of our life that are under conscious control. When you decide to kick a ball or type on a keyboard, you are engaging your somatic nervous system. This system manages voluntary muscle movements and the reception of external stimuli.

• The SNS connects the central nervous system to skeletal muscles, allowing for voluntary movements.
• It uses motor neurons to transmit signals from the CNS to muscles.
• Through sensory neurons, it also gathers information from the senses to provide feedback to the brain.

This system is vital for everyday actions that require conscious thought and control, making it central to activities and responses that require precision and awareness.

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS), another component of the peripheral nervous system, is quite fascinating because it controls many of the body's automatic functions — tasks we often overlook because they happen without conscious effort. The ANS regulates bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and pupillary response.
The ANS is further divided into three branches, each with unique roles:

• Sympathetic Nervous System: Prepares the body for action ('fight or flight'), increasing heart rate and energy release.
• Parasympathetic Nervous System: Promotes rest and recovery ('rest and digest'), slowing the heart rate and enhancing digestion.
• Enteric Nervous System: Manages functions of the gastrointestinal tract independently.

By managing these involuntary processes, the ANS helps maintain homeostasis, ensuring that the body's environment remains stable and suitable for healthy functioning.