BRAINCAKEVoluntary Nervous System
The voluntary (somatic) nervous system is the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls skeletal muscles. These are the muscles attached to bones that we move consciously, for example when walking, writing or speaking.
A voluntary movement starts in the brain. The decision is made in the cerebrum, and neurones in the motor cortex of the frontal lobe send impulses down the spinal cord. The cerebellum coordinates the movement so that it is smooth and accurate.
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Key terms in this lesson
- cerebrum
- The largest part of the brain, divided into two hemispheres, responsible for conscious thought, sensation and voluntary movement.
More in Mammalian Nervous System
- Major Areas of the Brain
- Other Areas of the Brain
- Spinal Cord
- Reflex Responses
- Peripheral Nervous System
- Autonomic Nervous System
- Sympathetic Nervous System
- Parasympathetic Nervous System
All 38 lessons in Mammalian Nervous System · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics