Which system controls involuntary bodily functions?

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, which include processes such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and reflex actions. This system operates automatically and is not under conscious control, allowing the body to maintain homeostasis without needing active input from the brain. The autonomic nervous system is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, which work together to manage the body's involuntary responses to stress and relaxation, respectively.

In contrast, the central nervous system is primarily involved in processing sensory information and coordinating voluntary movements. The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system to the rest of the body and includes both the autonomic and somatic nervous systems. The somatic nervous system, specifically, is responsible for voluntary control over skeletal muscles and the activities that we consciously regulate. Thus, the autonomic nervous system is the correct answer, as it specifically governs functions that occur without voluntary control.