What signals does the somatic motor division carry?

Study for the ASU BIO201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I Exam. Prepare with comprehensive materials, flashcards, and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

The somatic motor division is primarily responsible for voluntary control of body movements by innervating skeletal muscles. This division of the nervous system transmits signals from the central nervous system (CNS) to skeletal muscles, facilitating actions such as walking, talking, and other voluntary movements. The motor neurons in this division directly synapse with skeletal muscle fibers, allowing for precise control over muscle contractions.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different divisions or systems within the nervous system. Cardiac muscles are innervated by the autonomic nervous system rather than the somatic motor division, which controls involuntary functions. Smooth muscles, found in various organs such as the intestines and blood vessels, are also controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Glands, likewise, are regulated by autonomic signals that manage secretion and other functions, rather than by the voluntary control of the somatic motor neurons. Therefore, the unique role of the somatic motor division is specific to the voluntary control of skeletal muscles, making it the correct answer.

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