The autonomic nervous system includes all but which of the following?

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a crucial part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary actions in the body. It is comprised of several key components, including the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions, which help regulate bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate without conscious thought.

The correct answer indicates that the ANS does not include motor and sensory nerves. This distinction is essential because the motor and sensory nerves belong to the somatic nervous system, which governs voluntary movements and the transmission of sensory information. In contrast, the autonomic nervous system is specifically focused on involuntary processes and operates through its own subdivisions and structures, which include various types of nerves, ganglia, and plexuses directly associated with autonomic functions.

Understanding this separation helps clarify the roles of different nervous system components in maintaining the body's homeostasis and responding to internal and external stimuli.