Which system is responsible for voluntary muscle movements?

The somatic nervous system is specifically responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movements. It includes all the skeletal muscles over which we have conscious control, allowing us to perform actions such as walking, grabbing, and talking. This system consists of motor neurons that transmit signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, thereby facilitating coordinated movement.

In contrast, the central nervous system encompasses the brain and spinal cord, serving as the main control center for processing and responding to information but does not directly manage voluntary movements. The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion, and operates automatically without conscious intervention. The sympathetic nervous system is a component of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for high-energy activities, often referred to as the 'fight or flight' response, and does not play a role in voluntary muscle control. Thus, the somatic nervous system is the correct choice as it directly relates to voluntary muscular actions.