What type of functions does the somatic nervous system control?

The somatic nervous system is primarily responsible for controlling voluntary movements of the body. It is involved in the actions that a person consciously decides to perform, such as moving arms, legs, or any skeletal muscles. This system allows individuals to engage in activities requiring fine motor skills and coordinated physical effort, differentiating it from other parts of the nervous system that handle involuntary functions.

The other functions listed, such as involuntary body functions and automatic gland activity, are primarily under the control of the autonomic nervous system, which manages processes that occur automatically without conscious thought. Emotional responses often involve a combination of both the autonomic nervous system and the limbic system, rather than the somatic nervous system. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the specific role of the somatic nervous system in facilitating voluntary, conscious muscle movements.