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Ch. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMartini, Nath, Bartholomew 11th EditionCh. 16 The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order FunctionsProblem 23
Chapter 16, Problem 23

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
(c) Stimulation of the reticular activating system
(d) Temporary insensitivity to painful stimuli
(e) Decreased levels of epinephrine in the blood

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the context of sympathetic stimulation, which is part of the 'fight or flight' response controlled by the autonomic nervous system. This response prepares the body to react to stress or danger.
Step 2: Review each option in relation to the physiological effects of sympathetic stimulation. For example, increased energy metabolism by muscle tissue (option a) and increased cardiovascular activity (option b) are common effects, but consider which directly relates to feeling 'on edge'.
Step 3: Recognize that the reticular activating system (RAS) is involved in regulating wakefulness and alertness. Sympathetic stimulation can activate the RAS, leading to heightened alertness or feeling 'on edge' (option c).
Step 4: Evaluate the other options: temporary insensitivity to pain (option d) can occur but is less directly related to feeling 'on edge'; decreased levels of epinephrine (option e) contradict the typical increase in epinephrine during sympathetic activation.
Step 5: Conclude that the feeling of being 'on edge' during sympathetic stimulation is best explained by the stimulation of the reticular activating system, which increases alertness and arousal.

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Key Concepts

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

Sympathetic Nervous System Activation

The sympathetic nervous system triggers the 'fight or flight' response, preparing the body for action by increasing heart rate, energy availability, and alertness. This activation causes physiological changes that make a person feel 'on edge' or alert.
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Sympathetic Nervous System Example 1

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

The reticular activating system is a network in the brainstem that regulates wakefulness and attention. Stimulation of the RAS increases alertness and awareness, contributing to the feeling of being 'on edge' during sympathetic activation.
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Active Transport

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Responses

Sympathetic stimulation increases cardiovascular activity and energy metabolism in muscles to support rapid physical responses. These changes enhance blood flow and energy supply, but the sensation of being 'on edge' is more directly linked to neural alertness mechanisms.
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Introduction to Metabolism
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Dual innervation refers to situations in which

(a) Vital organs receive instructions from both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers.

(b) The atria and ventricles of the heart receive autonomic stimulation from the same nerves.

(c) Sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers have similar effects.

(d) All of these are correct.

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Textbook Question

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

(a) Increased sympathetic stimulation

(b) Decreased sympathetic stimulation

(c) Increased parasympathetic stimulation

(d) Decreased parasympathetic stimulation

(e) Both increased parasympathetic and sympathetic stimulation

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Textbook Question

A possible side effect of a drug used to open the airways of someone suffering from an asthma attack is

(a) Decreased activity of the digestive system

(b) Diarrhea

(c) Profuse urination

(d) Increased blood pressure

(e) Decreased heart rate

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Textbook Question

Damage to the hippocampus, a component of the limbic system, leads to

(a) A loss of emotion due to forgetfulness

(b) A loss of consciousness

(c) A loss of long-term memory

(d) An immediate loss of short-term memory

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Textbook Question

Why does sympathetic function remain intact even when the anterior roots of the cervical spinal nerves are damaged?

660
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Textbook Question

You are home alone at night when you hear what sounds like breaking glass. What physiological effects would this experience probably produce, and what would be their cause?

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