Which part of the nervous system is responsible for sensory information and voluntary movement?

Prepare for the EPPP Biological Bases of Behavior Exam with targeted questions and explanations. Enhance your understanding of neuropsychology, pharmacology, and psychophysiology. Dive into the practice quizzes to ace your exam!

The Somatic Nervous System is the correct answer because it is specifically responsible for transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system and mediating voluntary movements. It consists of sensory (afferent) neurons that carry information from sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord, allowing for the perception of stimuli such as touch, pain, and temperature. Additionally, the somatic nervous system includes motor (efferent) neurons that control the skeletal muscles, enabling voluntary movements like walking, talking, and gesture.

In contrast, the Autonomic Nervous System, which includes sympathetic and parasympathetic components, primarily regulates involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, rather than voluntary movement. The Sympathetic Nervous System is involved in the body's fight-or-flight response, while the Parasympathetic Nervous System promotes the rest-and-digest state, balancing the body's involuntary processes but not contributing to voluntary sensory-motor control. Thus, the distinct role of the Somatic Nervous System makes it the central player in managing sensory input and voluntary motor output.

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