Which part of the nervous system is responsible for communicating voluntary movements?

Prepare for the Penn Foster Veterinary Pharmacology Exam. Get ready for your exam with interactive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations to help you succeed!

The somatic nervous system is responsible for communicating voluntary movements. This part of the nervous system primarily controls skeletal muscles, enabling conscious muscle movement and coordination. It is involved in activities such as walking, talking, and any other motions that require deliberate control over muscle contractions.

The somatic nervous system achieves this through motor neurons that transmit signals from the central nervous system to the skeletal muscles. Additionally, sensory neurons send information from the muscles and skin back to the central nervous system, allowing for feedback and coordination of movements.

In contrast, the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing, which are not under conscious control. While cranial nerves and the spinal cord play essential roles in the overall functioning of the nervous system, they are not solely responsible for the voluntary movements; instead, they serve as pathways and centers for communication concerning various nervous system functions.

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