Which division of the peripheral nervous system controls voluntary movement?

Study for the ISSA Strength and Conditioning Certification. Prepare with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and detailed explanations to ensure you're ready for exam success!

The correct choice is the somatic nervous system because it is the division of the peripheral nervous system responsible for controlling voluntary movements of skeletal muscles. This means that the somatic nervous system enables individuals to consciously perform activities such as walking, running, lifting, and other physical tasks that require purposeful actions.

The somatic nervous system operates through motor pathways that transmit signals from the central nervous system to the skeletal muscles. It is also involved in the processing of sensory information from the external environment, allowing for conscious perception and reaction to stimuli. This aspect is crucial for activities that depend on coordination and deliberate movement.

In contrast, the autonomic nervous system governs involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, which do not require conscious thought. The enteric nervous system primarily manages the functions of the gastrointestinal system, and the sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, thus also operating without conscious control.

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