Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

14. The Autonomic Nervous System

Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System

Anatomy & Physiology

14. The Autonomic Nervous System

Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System

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Multiple Choice

Which organ receives major input from the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

Skeletal muscle

Cerebral cortex

Adrenal medulla

Thyroid gland

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The sympathetic division is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, which prepares the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores.

Step 2: Recognize that the adrenal medulla is a key organ in the sympathetic division. It is part of the adrenal glands located above the kidneys and plays a crucial role in releasing hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine directly into the bloodstream during sympathetic activation.

Step 3: Compare the adrenal medulla to the other options provided. Skeletal muscle is primarily controlled by the somatic nervous system, not the autonomic nervous system. The cerebral cortex is part of the brain responsible for higher-order functions like thinking and decision-making, and it does not receive direct input from the sympathetic division. The thyroid gland is involved in metabolism regulation and is primarily influenced by the endocrine system, not the sympathetic division.

Step 4: Understand why the adrenal medulla is the correct answer. It receives direct input from preganglionic sympathetic neurons, which stimulate the release of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) to amplify the body's response to stress.

Step 5: Conclude that the adrenal medulla is the organ that receives major input from the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, as it is directly involved in the body's rapid response to stress.