Final answer:
Smooth muscle activation is primarily controlled involuntarily by the autonomic nervous system, different from the voluntary control of skeletal muscles by the somatic nervous system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The means of activation in smooth muscles is primarily involuntary control. Unlike skeletal muscles, which are under voluntary control and governed by the somatic nervous system, smooth muscles operate without our conscious input and are regulated by the autonomic nervous system. This system manages the involuntary functions of the body, which includes the contraction of smooth muscles found in the digestive system, blood vessels, and other organs.