Question

Which one of these effectors is NOT directly controlled by the autonomic nervous system?

1) cardiac muscle
2) skeletal muscle
3) abdominal organs
4) smooth muscle
5) most glands

Answer 1

Skeletal muscle is not directly controlled by the autonomic nervous system; instead, it is governed by the somatic nervous system, which allows voluntary control over muscle actions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The effector not directly controlled by the autonomic nervous system is 2) skeletal muscle.

The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary responses, targeting cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glandular tissue. In contrast, skeletal muscles are controlled voluntarily through the somatic nervous system. This system enables conscious control over muscle movements, differentiating it from the autonomic nervous system, which operates largely without conscious input.

The autonomic nervous system monitors internal conditions and implements changes as needed, typically through a two-neuron relay involving preganglionic and ganglionic neurons that ultimately interface with target organs, such as the heart, lungs, and various glands within the body.