Concept: This question tests your understanding of the different divisions of the nervous system and their control over various muscle types.

Why (C) is correct: Skeletal muscles are voluntary muscles, meaning their contractions are under conscious control. The somatic nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to skeletal muscles, enabling voluntary movement.

Why other options are wrong:

• (A) sympathetic nerves: These are part of the autonomic nervous system and control involuntary functions, often associated with 'fight or flight' responses.
• (B) parasympathetic nerves: These are also part of the autonomic nervous system and control involuntary functions, often associated with 'rest and digest' responses.
• (D) autonomic nerves: This is a broader category that includes both sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, and it controls involuntary functions of smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands, not voluntary skeletal muscles.

Common Mistake: Students often confuse the control of skeletal muscles (voluntary) with smooth and cardiac muscles (involuntary), which are controlled by the autonomic nervous system.

NEET Tip: Remember that Somatic = Skeletal = Strong (voluntary) control, while Autonomic = Automatic (involuntary) control.

Correct Answer: (C)