Final answer:
The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system increases cardiac output, while the parasympathetic division decreases it.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two divisions of the autonomic nervous system are the sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division.
The sympathetic division is associated with the fight-or-flight response and generally increases cardiac output. When activated, it releases the neurotransmitter norepinephrine that acts on the heart to increase heart rate and force of contraction. This results in an increase in cardiac output, which is the amount of blood pumped by the heart per minute.
On the other hand, the parasympathetic division is associated with the rest and digest response. When activated, it releases the neurotransmitter acetylcholine that acts on the heart to decrease heart rate and force of contraction. This leads to a decrease in cardiac output.