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Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System and Homeostasis
Amerman- Human Anatomy & Physiology 3e
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 3rd EditionCh. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System and HomeostasisProblem 2
Chapter 14, Problem 2

Regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and digestive functions is carried out by the:
a. Somatic motor division of the peripheral nervous system.
b. Central nervous system.
c. Visceral sensory division of the peripheral nervous system.
d. Autonomic nervous system.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the question. The problem is asking which system regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and digestive functions. These are involuntary processes, so we need to identify the system responsible for controlling involuntary physiological activities.
Step 2: Review the options provided. Option a refers to the somatic motor division, which controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles. Option b refers to the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord but does not directly regulate these specific functions. Option c refers to the visceral sensory division, which transmits sensory information from internal organs but does not regulate their activity. Option d refers to the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for involuntary control of internal organs.
Step 3: Recall the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. The sympathetic division prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. The parasympathetic division promotes 'rest and digest' activities, aiding in digestion and reducing heart rate.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. Since the somatic motor division controls voluntary actions, it is not involved in regulating involuntary processes like heart rate or digestion. The central nervous system processes information but does not directly regulate these functions. The visceral sensory division only transmits sensory input and does not control organ activity.
Step 5: Conclude that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the correct answer, as it is specifically responsible for regulating involuntary processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestive functions.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiological functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. It operates automatically without conscious control and is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which work together to maintain homeostasis.
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Somatic vs. Autonomic Nervous System

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Systems

The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic system prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, increasing heart rate and blood pressure, while the parasympathetic system promotes 'rest and digest' activities, slowing the heart rate and enhancing digestive processes. Their balance is crucial for maintaining overall bodily function.
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Review of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Divisions

Homeostasis

Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes. The autonomic nervous system plays a vital role in homeostasis by regulating essential functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion, ensuring that the body can respond appropriately to varying demands and stressors.
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Guided course
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Introduction to Homeostasis
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

c. The visceral motor division is also known as the autonomic nervous system and maintains homeostasis of many physiological variables.

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Textbook Question

You are running a race to the top of a mountain. Explain all the changes your sympathetic nervous system will initiate to maintain homeostasis as you run the race.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following best describes the basic function of the autonomic nervous system?

a. Controls the somatic nervous system

b. Controls automatic functions to maintain homeostasis

c. Detects somatic sensory information

d. All of the above

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Textbook Question

Using 20 or fewer words, define each of the following terms in your own words.

b. Parasympathetic nervous system

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Textbook Question

Using 20 or fewer words, define each of the following terms in your own words.

a. Sympathetic nervous system

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Textbook Question

The sympathetic nervous system is also known as the ________ division because the cell bodies of its preganglionic neurons are located in the ________ .

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