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How does the autonomic nervous system play a role in the sexual response cycle?

a) It controls conscious sexual desire and arousal.
b) It regulates the release of sex hormones.
c) It controls the voluntary muscles involved in sexual activity.
d) It governs involuntary bodily responses like heart rate and genital blood flow during sexual arousal.

User Pinny
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Final answer:

The autonomic nervous system governs involuntary bodily responses like heart rate and genital blood flow during sexual arousal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) governs involuntary bodily responses like heart rate and genital blood flow during sexual arousal, making option d) the correct answer. The ANS has two divisions: the sympathetic division, which prepares the body for physical exertion and is involved in the fight-or-flight response, and the parasympathetic division, which promotes rest and digest activities. During the sexual response cycle, the parasympathetic division becomes more active, leading to increased blood flow to the genital area and relaxation of smooth muscles in the sexual organs, facilitating sexual arousal and response.

User Alexndm
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