Which division of the Nervous System controls conscious events and functions?

The Somatic Nervous System is the division of the Nervous System responsible for controlling conscious events and functions. It encompasses the motor pathways that lead to skeletal muscles, allowing for voluntary movements such as walking, writing, and speaking. This system operates under conscious control, enabling individuals to react to their environment actively and intentionally.

In contrast, the Autonomic Nervous System governs involuntary functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, which occur without conscious effort. The Sympathetic Nervous System acts as a subdivision of the Autonomic Nervous System that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, further emphasizing its involuntary nature. Lastly, the Peripheral Nervous System includes both the Somatic and Autonomic systems but is a broader classification that encompasses all nerves outside the central nervous system, not specifically tied to conscious control of movements or functions.