Question

While relaxing in a lawn chair enjoying a cool drink, which of the following triggers the "rest-and-digest" response, as your heart rate slows and digestion begins?

a. motor cortex
b. limbic system
c. sympathetic nervous system
d. somatic nervous system
e. parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 1

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for triggering the "rest-and-digest" response, which includes slowing down the heart rate and promoting digestion when the body is in a relaxed state.

Step-by-step explanation:

When relaxing in a lawn chair and experiencing a slowing of the heart rate and the onset of digestion, the part of the nervous system responsible for the "rest-and-digest" response is the parasympathetic nervous system.

This division of the autonomic nervous system is in charge of conserving energy and helps to return the body to a state of rest following stress or emergency situations.

It operates in contrast to the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for "fight-or-flight" responses during stressful situations.

Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate, promotes digestion, and manages various bodily functions that are not required during emergency scenarios.

In effect, it resets the organ function after activation of the sympathetic nervous system, making sure homeostasis is maintained under non-stressful conditions.