National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

Which portion of the nervous system is referred to as autonomic?

1. The part that controls voluntary movements

2. The part that is outside voluntary control

3. The central processing unit of the brain

4. The sensory feedback system

The correct answer is: The part that is outside voluntary control

The autonomic nervous system is defined by its role in regulating involuntary bodily functions that occur without conscious control. This includes activities such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. The correct choice reflects that this system operates autonomously, managing essential physiological processes that are critical to survival without the need for voluntary input from the individual. In contrast, the other options reference different aspects of the nervous system. The part that controls voluntary movements pertains to the somatic nervous system, which allows for conscious control over muscles. The central processing unit of the brain refers to the brain's role in cognition, sensory processing, and decision-making, which does not define autonomic functions. Lastly, the sensory feedback system involves receiving and processing sensory information, which is distinct from the involuntary operations of the autonomic nervous system. Thus, the correct choice effectively identifies the autonomic nervous system's fundamental characteristic: its function outside of voluntary control.