103k views
2 votes
What are the divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

1) Parasympathetic, sympathetic
2) Somatic, enteric, peristaltic
3) Sympathetic, parasympathetic, somatic
4) Sympathetic, parasympathetic, enteric
5) Somatic, enteric

User DutchKevv
by
8.0k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, with an additional enteric division playing a role in gastrointestinal function. The sympathetic is for fight-or-flight responses, while the parasympathetic is for rest-and-digest activities. Option number 1 is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The divisions of the autonomic nervous system are as follows: the sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division. An additional division, the enteric system, is sometimes considered a third division due to its significant role in gastrointestinal functioning; thus, the correct answer to the student's question is option 4) Sympathetic, parasympathetic, enteric.

The sympathetic division prepares the body for stress-related activities and is often referred to as the fight-or-flight response, while the parasympathetic division takes control during restful periods aiming to conserve energy and is associated with the rest-and-digest or feed-and-breed activities. Unlike the autonomic nervous system which regulates involuntary bodily functions, the somatic nervous system provides control over skeletal muscles and mediates voluntary movements such as turning a steering wheel.

User Ximmyxiao
by
7.6k points