Question

Which of the following is true of people with pure autonomic failure?

Options:
a) They have heightened autonomic responses.
b) They experience normal autonomic functions.
c) They exhibit symptoms of autonomic dysfunction.
d) They lack sensory perception.

Answer 1

People with pure autonomic failure have impaired autonomic functions, not heightened responses, including a perpetually low heart rate and decreased digestion ability due to the autonomic nervous system's faulty regulation of involuntary bodily processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Individuals with pure autonomic failure (PAF) exhibit symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. This means that they do not experience normal autonomic responses; instead, they have impaired autonomic functions affecting involuntary bodily processes such as blood pressure regulation, heart rate, and digestive functions. One of the characteristics of PAF can include a perpetually low heart rate due to the inability of the autonomic nervous system to adequately respond to the body's need to increase the heart rate when necessary. Additionally, autonomic dysfunction could lead to decreased digestion ability due to the faulty signaling for the secretion of enzymes and impaired control of movements within the digestive system. Regarding homeostatic mechanisms controlled by the autonomic nervous system, such as sweating, it is important to note that while this is a homeostatic mechanism to cool the body down, it can also occur in response to emotional state, a non-homeostatic component handled by the autonomic system.