Textbook Question
The division of the ANS that prepares the body for activity and stress is the_____division.
(a) sympathetic
(b) parasympathetic
(c) craniosacral
(d) intramural
(e) somatomotor
Ch. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew12th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy and PhysiologyISBN: 9780137854011
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 1 An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology25
- Ch. 2 The Chemical Level of Organization34
- Ch. 3 The Cellular Level of Organization29
- Ch. 4 The Tissue Level of Organization24
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System17
- Ch. 6 Bones and Bone Structure33
- Ch. 7 The Axial Skeleton11
- Ch. 8 The Appendicular Skeleton17
- Ch. 9 Joints13
- Ch. 10 Muscle Tissue12
- Ch. 11 The Muscular System28
- Ch. 12 Nervous Tissue18
- Ch. 13 The Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves, and Spinal Reflexes22
- Ch. 14 The Brain and Cranial Nerves20
- Ch. 15 Sensory Pathways and the Somatic Nervous System17
- Ch. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions30
- Ch. 17 The Special Senses15
- Ch. 18 The Endocrine System21
- Ch. 19 Blood31
- Ch. 20 The Heart31
- Ch. 21 Blood Vessels and Circulation26
- Ch. 22 The Lymphatic System and Immunity25
- Ch. 23 The Respiratory System4
- Ch. 24 The Digestive System18
- Ch. 26 The Urinary System31
- Ch. 27 Fluids & Electrolytes30
- Ch. 28 The Reproductive System12
- Ch. 29 Development and Inheritance17
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew12th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy and PhysiologyISBN: 9780137854011Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooks
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew 12th EditionCh. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order FunctionsProblem 4
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew 12th EditionCh. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order FunctionsProblem 4Chapter 16, Problem 4
Effects produced by the parasympathetic branch of the ANS include
(a) Dilation of the pupils
(b) Increased secretion by digestive glands
(c) Dilation of respiratory passages
(d) Increased heart rate
(e) Increased breakdown of glycogen by the liver
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the role of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It is primarily responsible for 'rest and digest' activities, promoting maintenance functions and conserving energy.
Step 2: Analyze each option in the context of parasympathetic effects: (a) Dilation of the pupils is typically caused by the sympathetic nervous system, so this is unlikely a parasympathetic effect.
Step 3: Consider (b) Increased secretion by digestive glands. Since the parasympathetic system stimulates digestion, this effect aligns well with its function.
Step 4: Evaluate (c) Dilation of respiratory passages. This is generally a sympathetic response to increase airflow, so it is not a parasympathetic effect.
Step 5: Review (d) Increased heart rate and (e) Increased breakdown of glycogen by the liver. Both are sympathetic responses to prepare the body for 'fight or flight,' so they are not effects of the parasympathetic system.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Parasympathetic Nervous System Function
The parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) primarily promotes 'rest and digest' activities. It conserves energy by slowing the heart rate, stimulating digestive secretions, and promoting nutrient absorption. Understanding its role helps distinguish its effects from the sympathetic system.
Recommended video:
1:56
Function of the Parasympathetic Nervous System
Physiological Effects of Parasympathetic Activation
Parasympathetic activation causes pupil constriction (not dilation), increased secretion by digestive glands, bronchoconstriction (narrowing of respiratory passages), and decreased heart rate. These effects support bodily functions during restful states, contrasting with the sympathetic 'fight or flight' responses.
Recommended video:
1:32Effects of the Complement System
Comparison with Sympathetic Nervous System
The sympathetic nervous system triggers responses like pupil dilation, increased heart rate, bronchodilation, and glycogen breakdown for energy mobilization. Recognizing these opposing effects clarifies why certain options (e.g., pupil dilation, increased heart rate) are not caused by parasympathetic activity.
Recommended video:
1:21Sympathetic Nervous System Example 3
Related Practice
Textbook Question
The autonomic division of the nervous system directs
(a) Voluntary motor activity
(b) Conscious control of skeletal muscles
(c) Unconscious control of skeletal muscles
(d) Processes that maintain homeostasis
(e) Sensory input from the skin
1
views
Textbook Question
A progressive disorder characterized by the loss of higher-order cerebral functions is
(a) Parkinson's disease
(b) Parasomnia
(c) Huntington's disease
(d) Alzheimer's disease
1
views
Textbook Question
Which four ganglia serve as origins for postganglionic fibers involved in control of visceral structures in the head?
1
views
Textbook Question
Starting in the spinal cord, trace an action potential through the sympathetic division of the ANS until it reaches a target organ in the abdominopelvic region.
1
views
Textbook Question
The preganglionic and ganglionic neurons are missing from the diagram below showing the distribution of sympathetic innervation. Indicate their distribution using red for the preganglionic neurons and black for the ganglionic neurons.