While preparing dinner, Maya accidentally touches a hot dish. Which of the following divisions of the nervous system will be responsible for conveying information to the brain that she has touched something hot?

A) The autonomic nervous system

B) The parasympathetic nervous system

C) The sympathetic nervous system (not)

D) The somatic nervous system

D - The somatic nervous system

Explanation:

The somatic nervous system is the part of the peripheral nervous system which controls voluntary and involuntary muscle movements when external stimuli (such as a burn, in this case) occurs. Nerves are connected to the skin, sensory organs and skeletal muscles, and information (about the burn) is carried to the Central Nervous System (CNS). In the case of Maya burning her hand, sensory signals are sent directly to the spinal chord, triggering a reflex arc. This results in Maya pulling her hand back involuntarily.