What is the main function of the autonomic nervous system?

The main function of the autonomic nervous system is to regulate glands and organs, which is why the option identifying this role is correct. The autonomic nervous system operates largely unconsciously and is crucial in controlling bodily functions such as heartbeat, digestion, respiratory rate, and other internal processes that keep the body functioning properly without conscious effort. This system is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, which work in opposition to maintain balance in the body’s involuntary processes.

The other options pertain to different areas of the nervous system and physiological function. The control of voluntary movements is primarily associated with the somatic nervous system, which manages the muscles under conscious control. Processing sensory information involves the sensory pathways of the nervous system responsible for receiving and interpreting stimuli from the environment. Lastly, facilitating speech production is largely governed by specific regions in the brain, such as Broca's area, which is involved in the coordination of speech rather than the autonomic regulation of internal organs. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the regulation of glands and organs is specifically suited to the autonomic system.