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Multiple Choice
Almost 75 percent of all parasympathetic outflow travels along the:
A
trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V)
B
spinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI)
C
optic nerve (cranial nerve II)
D
vagus nerve (cranial nerve X)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the parasympathetic nervous system, which is part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'rest and digest' functions, such as reducing heart rate and promoting digestion.
Step 2: Recall that cranial nerves are paired nerves that emerge directly from the brain and brainstem, and some of them are involved in parasympathetic functions.
Step 3: Learn that the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) is the primary cranial nerve responsible for parasympathetic outflow to various organs, including the heart, lungs, and digestive tract.
Step 4: Compare the functions of the other cranial nerves listed in the problem: the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) is primarily involved in facial sensation and chewing, the spinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI) controls certain muscles in the neck, and the optic nerve (cranial nerve II) is responsible for vision.
Step 5: Conclude that the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) is the correct answer because it carries almost 75 percent of all parasympathetic outflow to the body.