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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Problem 2

Textbook Question

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

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.

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.

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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During sympathetic stimulation, a person may begin to feel 'on edge'; this is the result of

(a) Increased energy metabolism by muscle tissue

(b) Increased cardiovascular activity

(d) Temporary insensitivity to painful stimuli

(e) Decreased levels of epinephrine in the blood

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Under which of the following circumstances would the diameter of peripheral blood vessels be greatest?

(a) Increased sympathetic stimulation

(b) Decreased sympathetic stimulation

(d) Decreased parasympathetic stimulation

(e) Both increased parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation

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