What is the overall role of the autonomic nervous system?

The overall role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is to control the body's internal environment, which means it regulates involuntary physiological processes, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sexual arousal. The ANS operates below the level of consciousness, managing the biological functions necessary for maintaining homeostasis. This encompasses two major divisions: the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for stress-related activities, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and restorative functions.

This is distinct from the other options, which describe functions managed by different systems or aspects of the nervous system. For example, movement and muscle coordination are the responsibilities of the somatic nervous system, not the ANS. Similarly, processing sensory information is handled by sensory pathways and the central nervous system. Voluntary actions are executed through conscious control via the somatic nervous system rather than autonomic regulation.