Voluntary and Involuntary Actions

Voluntary action

Actions that we are aware of and do according to our will, such as walking, talking or brushing teeth

Involuntary action

Actions that occur automatically and occurs without us being conscious

Control center for voluntary action

Controlled by the cerebral cortex that is the outermost layer of the brain

Control center for involuntary action

Controlled by the medulla oblongata and hypothalamus

Voluntary action response

Involves the reaction of the skeletal muscles

Involuntary action response

Involves the reaction of the smooth muscle and glands

The similarity of voluntary and involuntary action

Both actions involves stimulation, impulse, neurone and an effector organ

Example of voluntary actions

Walking and talking

Examples of involuntary action

Peristalsis and heartbeat

The importance of reflex action

Produces spontaneous responses without waiting for instructions from the brain, thus can prevent serious injury