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 4

Textbook Question

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 guidance

Understand the role of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS): It is responsible for 'rest and digest' activities, promoting relaxation, energy conservation, and maintenance of bodily functions during non-stressful times.

Review the effects of the parasympathetic branch: It typically decreases heart rate, stimulates digestive gland secretion, constricts pupils, and promotes glycogen storage in the liver rather than breakdown.

Analyze each option: (a) Dilation of the pupils is associated with the sympathetic branch, not parasympathetic. (b) Increased secretion by digestive glands aligns with parasympathetic activity. (c) Dilation of respiratory passages is a sympathetic response. (d) Increased heart rate is also a sympathetic response. (e) Increased breakdown of glycogen by the liver is a sympathetic response.

Identify the correct effect: Based on the analysis, the parasympathetic branch is responsible for increased secretion by digestive glands (option b).

Conclude that the parasympathetic branch supports functions that aid in digestion and relaxation, contrasting with the sympathetic branch's 'fight or flight' responses.

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Key Concepts

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

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is one of the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), responsible for promoting 'rest and digest' functions. It conserves energy by slowing down the heart rate, increasing intestinal and gland activity, and relaxing sphincter muscles. This system counteracts the 'fight or flight' response of the sympathetic nervous system, facilitating bodily functions that occur during restful states.

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary physiological functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and digestion. It is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which have opposing effects on the body. Understanding the ANS is crucial for comprehending how different stimuli can trigger various physiological responses, such as those listed in the question.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. The parasympathetic nervous system plays a vital role in achieving homeostasis by promoting functions that restore balance, such as digestion and energy conservation. Recognizing how the PNS contributes to homeostasis helps in understanding the physiological effects mentioned in the question.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Relate each of the following terms or phrases to either the sympathetic (S) or parasympathetic (P) division of the autonomic nervous system:

______ (1) Short preganglionic, long postganglionic fibers

______ (2) Intramural ganglia

______ (3) Craniosacral part

______ (4) Adrenergic fibers

______ (5) Cervical ganglia

______ (6) Otic and ciliary ganglia

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Textbook Question

Relate each of the following terms or phrases to either the sympathetic (S) or parasympathetic (P) division of the autonomic nervous system:

______ (7) Generally short-duration action

______ (8) Increases heart rate and blood pressure

______ (9) Increases gastric motility and secretion of lacrimal, salivary, and digestive juices

______ (10) Innervates blood vessels

______ (11) Most active when you are relaxing in a hammock

______ (12) Active when you are running in the Boston Marathon

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Textbook Question

The division of the ANS that prepares the body for activity and stress is the_____division.

(a) sympathetic

(b) parasympathetic

(d) intramural

(e) somatomotor

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Textbook Question

Collateral sympathetic ganglia are involved with innervating

a. abdominal organs

b. thoracic organs

c. head

d. arrector pili

e. all of these

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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.

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Textbook Question

Briefly explain why the following terms are sometimes used to refer to the autonomic nervous system: involuntary nervous system and emotional-visceral system.

Describe the anatomical relationship of the white and gray rami communicantes to the spinal nerve, and indicate the kind of fibers found in each ramus type.

What are the major components of

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