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

The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements. It consists of nerves that convey information from the brain to the skeletal muscles, enabling conscious control over actions such as walking, running, and other movements that require intention and coordination. This system is crucial for activities that require fine motor skills and the ability to engage in complex tasks, as it connects the central nervous system to the muscles, allowing for precise and deliberate movements.

In contrast, the autonomic nervous system controls involuntary body functions, such as heart rate and digestion, without conscious thought. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, which process and integrate information but does not directly execute voluntary movements. The peripheral nervous system encompasses all nerves outside the central nervous system, including both the somatic and autonomic subdivisions, but it lacks the specific role in controlling voluntary actions that the somatic nervous system has.