Skeletal muscles are controlled by

Options

A. sympathetic nerves
B. parasympathetic nerves
C. somatic nerves
D. autonomic nerves

Answer

To answer the question "Skeletal muscles are controlled by," we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Skeletal Muscles
Skeletal muscles are the muscles that are under voluntary control, meaning we can consciously control their movements. They are responsible for locomotion and other movements of the body.

**Hint:** Remember that skeletal muscles are the muscles you can control, like those used for walking or lifting.

### Step 2: Identify the Nervous System Components
The nervous system is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS is further divided into the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.

**Hint:** Think about the two main divisions of the nervous system and how they relate to muscle control.

### Step 3: Differentiate Between Nervous System Types
- **Somatic Nervous System:** Controls voluntary movements and skeletal muscles.
- **Autonomic Nervous System:** Controls involuntary functions and is divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves.

**Hint:** Focus on which part of the nervous system is responsible for voluntary control.

### Step 4: Analyze the Options
1. **Sympathetic Nerves:** Part of the autonomic nervous system, primarily involved in the fight-or-flight response.
2. **Parasympathetic Nerves:** Also part of the autonomic nervous system, primarily involved in rest and digest functions.
3. **Somatic Nerves:** Directly control skeletal muscles.
4. **Autonomic Nerves:** Control involuntary muscles and functions.

**Hint:** Eliminate options that are not related to voluntary control of muscles.

### Step 5: Choose the Correct Answer
Since skeletal muscles are under voluntary control, they are primarily controlled by the **somatic nerves**. Therefore, the correct answer is **somatic nerves**.

**Hint:** Remember that the term "somatic" is often associated with voluntary actions.

### Final Answer
Skeletal muscles are controlled by **somatic nerves**.