Laser Technician IBEC Board Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating involuntary body functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. This system operates unconsciously, meaning it controls functions automatically without requiring conscious thought. It has two main divisions: the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes 'rest and digest' activities.

In contrast, the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, plays a critical role in integrating sensory information and coordinating movement but does not focus specifically on involuntary functions. The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements and the reflex arcs controlling skeletal muscles, not involuntary actions. The peripheral nervous system serves as a communication network between the central nervous system and the rest of the body, including both somatic and autonomic components, but it does not regulate autonomic functions itself. Thus, the autonomic nervous system is specifically designed to handle all processes that occur without conscious control, making it the correct answer.