Question

How does the autonomic nervous system respond to an increase in blood pressure? Choose ALL that apply.

a It decreases parasympathetic activity.
b It decreases sympathetic activity.
c It increases parasympathetic activity.
d It increases sympathetic activity.

Answer 1

The autonomic nervous system responds to increased blood pressure by decreasing sympathetic activity, which leads to vasodilation, and increasing parasympathetic activity, which results in lowered cardiac output, thus reducing blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

When blood pressure increases, the autonomic nervous system responds by decreasing sympathetic activity and increasing parasympathetic activity. Specifically, the baroreceptors, which are sensitive to changes in blood pressure, will cause a reduction in sympathetic stimulation of the peripheral arterioles, leading to vasodilation and a reduction in cardiac output.

Parasympathetic stimulation and a decrease in sympathetic stimulation work together in a coordinated effort to reduce high blood pressure back to normal levels, representing the 'rest and digest' aspect of the autonomic nervous system in contrast to the 'fight or flight' response mediated by the sympathetic division.