What is the main difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems?

The main difference between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems lies in their control over bodily functions. The somatic nervous system is responsible for regulating voluntary movements, such as those involved in walking or picking up an object. This system allows individuals to consciously control their skeletal muscles and respond to their environment through deliberate actions.

In contrast, the autonomic nervous system governs involuntary processes, which operate without conscious thought. These processes include the regulation of heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. The autonomic nervous system is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, which control the body's 'fight or flight' responses and 'rest and digest' functions, respectively.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping how the body maintains homeostasis and responds to internal and external stimuli. The somatic nervous system focuses on actions we consciously initiate, while the autonomic nervous system manages processes that keep us functioning without active control.