Which system controls involuntary actions and reflexes via spinal and cranial nerves?

Which system controls involuntary actions and reflexes via spinal and cranial nerves?

• A. Autonomic nervous system
• B. Central nervous system
• C. Somatic nervous system
• D. Peripheral nervous system

Answer: (D)

The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, including the spinal and cranial nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body. It carries commands to muscles and glands and brings sensory information back to the CNS. Involuntary actions are managed through the autonomic division, which operates via these peripheral nerves and ganglia, while reflexes rely on simple circuits in the spinal cord or brainstem that transmit signals along peripheral nerves to effectors. The central nervous system handles processing and decision-making but does not execute actions through these nerves. The somatic system governs voluntary movement, though it can mediate some reflexes as well. So, the system that controls involuntary actions and reflexes via spinal and cranial nerves is the peripheral nervous system.

The peripheral nervous system is the network of nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, including the spinal and cranial nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body. It carries commands to muscles and glands and brings sensory information back to the CNS. Involuntary actions are managed through the autonomic division, which operates via these peripheral nerves and ganglia, while reflexes rely on simple circuits in the spinal cord or brainstem that transmit signals along peripheral nerves to effectors. The central nervous system handles processing and decision-making but does not execute actions through these nerves. The somatic system governs voluntary movement, though it can mediate some reflexes as well. So, the system that controls involuntary actions and reflexes via spinal and cranial nerves is the peripheral nervous system.