Which part of the nervous system is under voluntary control?

The somatic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that is under voluntary control. It is responsible for the regulation of voluntary movements in the body, primarily through the control of skeletal muscles. When you decide to move your arm, for example, the somatic nervous system transmits signals from the brain to the muscles to enable that movement. This system allows for conscious perception and control of bodily actions, distinguishing it from the autonomic nervous system, which manages involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion.

The central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, is responsible for processing and sending signals but does not directly control voluntary movements itself. The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body but includes both autonomic and somatic components. Therefore, the key feature that makes the somatic nervous system stand out is its direct role in controlling actions that can be consciously initiated and managed by an individual.