What are the two functional divisions of the Nervous System?

The two functional divisions of the nervous system are indeed somatic and autonomic. The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements, controlling skeletal muscles, and facilitating responses to external stimuli, allowing individuals to consciously control actions such as walking or talking.

On the other hand, the autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions, such as heartbeat, digestion, and respiratory rate. It operates without conscious control and plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis within the body. The autonomic nervous system is divided further into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which work in tandem to manage the body's response to stress and relaxation.

While other answers reference parts of the nervous system or describe its subdivisions, they do not accurately highlight the two primary functional roles: voluntary control through the somatic division and involuntary control through the autonomic division. Understanding these two divisions helps clarify how the nervous system orchestrates a wide variety of functions, integrating both conscious and unconscious activity to support overall bodily function and response to the environment.