QUESTION: Which of the following is not an involuntary action?
A Vomiting
B Salivation
C Heartbeat
D Chewing
ANSWER: Chewing
| Characteristic | Voluntary Actions | Involuntary Actions |
| Introduction | Those actions which are under conscious control and initiated by an individual’s intention. This allows them to modify or stop the action as needed. | Those actions which occur without conscious control. |
| Control | Under conscious control and decision | No conscious control or decision |
| Initiated by | Initiated by the individual’s will or intention | Often initiated by reflexes, automatic responses or external stimuli |
| Awareness | The individual is aware of and can consciously modify or stop the action | Typically occur without the individual’s conscious awareness or control |
| Examples | · Chewing · Walking · Talking · Writing · Eating | · Heartbeat · Digestion · Reflexes (e.g., knee-jerk reflex) Pupillary reflex · Vomiting · Salivation |
| Nervous System | Central Nervous System (CNS) | Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and Reflex Arcs |
| Neural Regulation | Controlled by the somatic nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord | Controlled by the autonomic nervous system |
| Adaptability | Can be adapted or modified based on changing circumstances or intentions | Generally less adaptable to conscious modification |
| Complexity | Can range from simple to highly complex actions | Often involve basic and essential bodily functions |