Which system is responsible for controlling voluntary actions in the body?

The somatic nervous system is specifically responsible for controlling voluntary actions in the body. It governs the movements of skeletal muscles, allowing individuals to perform conscious actions such as walking, typing, or playing a sport. This system operates under the control of the central nervous system, which processes the information and sends signals to skeletal muscles to elicit movement.

While the central nervous system encompasses both the brain and spinal cord and coordinates all voluntary and involuntary actions, it does not directly control voluntary muscle movement; that function is delegated to the somatic nervous system. The peripheral nervous system serves as a communication pathway between the central nervous system and the rest of the body but does not specifically designate control over voluntary movements.

Conversely, the autonomic nervous system manages involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion, regulating bodily functions without conscious effort. Thus, the somatic nervous system is distinct in its role of overseeing voluntary muscle actions, making it the correct answer for this question.