Final answer:
Automatic activities that occur without conscious thought are known as reflexes, not controlled by the cerebral cortex but are rapid motor responses involving a reflex arc. Option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
Activities that are not programmed by the cerebral cortex and occur without conscious thought are known as reflexes. These are very rapid motor responses and are part of a reflex arc that facilitates immediate reaction without the involvement of conscious cognitive processes.
For instance, if you touch a hot object, your hand will reflexively away before you even register pain or decide to move your hand; this happens because the nerve impulses bypass the brain and travel to and from the spinal cord.
On the other hand, voluntary muscle movements are consciously controlled, such as deciding to walk or move your arms.
These actions are directed by the cerebral cortex, involving sensory input, central processing, and motor output.
Muscle movements that happen without thinking, such as maintaining balance while standing or walking, are often considered involuntary muscles, although this term is sometimes used incorrectly interchangeably with the uncontrolled muscles of internal organs that function without conscious thought, such as those in the digestive system.
Cognitive processes like reading this text involve conscious perception, interpretation, and response, which are controlled by various regions of the cerebral cortex. By contrast, reflexes are automatic and don't involve these higher-level cognitive functions.
Option a.