Question

the somatic nervous system consists of nerve fibers that connect the cns to the ____, whereas the autonomic nervous system consists of fibers that connect the ____.
a skin and skeletal muscles; brain to the spinal cord
b heart and intestines; cns to the cardiac and smooth muscles
c visceral organs; cns to the skin and skeletal muscles
d skin and skeletal muscles; cns to the visceral organs

Explanation:

The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements and sensory information from the skin and skeletal muscles. The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions of visceral organs (such as the heart, intestines, etc.) and connects the CNS (central nervous system) to these visceral organs.

• Option A: The second part (brain to the spinal cord) is incorrect as it's not about the autonomic nervous system's function.
• Option B: The first part (heart and intestines) is for the autonomic nervous system, not the somatic.
• Option C: The first and second parts are swapped in terms of what they connect.
• Option D: Correctly states that the somatic nervous system connects CNS to skin and skeletal muscles and the autonomic connects CNS to visceral organs.

Answer:

D. skin and skeletal muscles; CNS to the visceral organs