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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

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.

answered
User Ximmyxiao
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