What is the conscious part of the nervous system called?

The conscious part of the nervous system is referred to as the somatic nervous system. This component of the nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements and the transmission of sensory information to the brain. It enables individuals to consciously control skeletal muscles, allowing for activities such as walking, typing, or playing a musical instrument.

The somatic nervous system is distinct in that it facilitates voluntary control, in contrast to other systems within the nervous system. For instance, the central nervous system coordinates activity between different parts of the body but does not encompass the voluntary control aspect. The peripheral nervous system includes both the somatic and autonomic systems, with the autonomic nervous system managing involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion, further emphasizing the unique role of the somatic nervous system in conscious movement and sensory processing.