What functions does the autonomic nervous system primarily help to control?

The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating involuntary bodily functions that sustain life and maintain homeostasis. It primarily helps control the functions of visceral organs, which include automatic processes such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and glandular activity. This system operates unconsciously, meaning that individuals do not have direct control over these functions, allowing the body to adjust to internal and external stimuli automatically.

For example, the autonomic nervous system divides into two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, increasing heart rate and redirecting blood flow, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes 'rest and digest' activities, slowing the heart rate and enhancing digestion.

In contrast, other answer options pertain to functions that are not regulated by this system. Skeletal muscle movements and voluntary muscle contractions are managed by the somatic nervous system, which involves conscious control over muscle actions. Skin sensory perceptions pertain to sensory information processing, transmitted via distinct pathways. Thus, the functions under the correct choice highlight the autonomic nervous system's essential role in regulating involuntary processes that are vital for survival and overall balance in bodily functions.