Which of the following best describes the basic function of the autonomic nervous system?
a. Controls the somatic nervous system
b. Controls automatic functions to maintain homeostasis
c. Detects somatic sensory information
d. All of the above
Introduction:
The nervous system is a network of nerves and cellsthat connects body parts to the brain and the spinal cord of humans. It is divided into two parts, which are the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). This PNS is further divided into the autonomic nervous system (ANS)and the somatic nervous system.
Answer to Problem 1CYR
Correct answer:
b. Controls automatic functions to maintain homeostasis.
Explanation of Solution
Justification/explanation for the correct answer:
Option (b) is given that control automatic functions to maintain homeostasis. The ANS controls the heart rate, blood pressure, digestive system, and urinary systems. These are all involuntary functions and are automatically regulated. The organs are regulated by visceral reflex arcs. All these processes are done in order to maintain homeostasis. Hence, option (b) is correct.
The explanation for the incorrect answer:
Option (a) is given that controls the somatic nervous system. The ANSdoes not control the somatic nervous system. The ANShelps in controlling involuntary actions whereas the somatic nervous system controls the voluntary actions in the human body. So, it is an incorrect option.
Option (c) is given that detects somatic sensory information. The somatic sensory information is of voluntary actions. The ANScontrols the involuntary actions of the human body. So, it is an incorrect option.
Option (d) is given that all of the above. The autonomic nervous system, or ANS, helps in controlling the automatic functions of the body so that homeostasis could be maintained. The rest of the functions, like detecting the somatic sensory information and controlling the somatic nervous system, are not associated with ANS. So, it is an incorrect option.
Hence, options (a), (c), and (d) are incorrect.
Thus, it can be concluded that the ANSis one of the parts of the PNS. It controls the involuntary actions of the human body, such asblood pressure, heart rate, urinary systems, and the digestive system. The organs are regulated by the visceral reflex arcs and to maintain homeostasis.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 14 Solutions
HUMAN ANAT.+PHYS.LAB...-MAIN-W/2 ACCESS
- Multiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and breaks down the white matter in the nervous system. A. What is another word (other than “white matter”) for the structure or type of cells that are affected in patients with MS? B. Given what these cells/structures do, what effect on neural transmission do you think MS has?arrow_forwardWhich of the following brain regions is not correctly matched to itsfunction?a. The medulla oblongata regulates heartbeat, breathing, and bloodpressure.b. The cerebellum coordinates voluntary muscle movements.c. The thalamus secretes melatonin, which regulates daily bodyrhythms.d. The midbrain acts as a refl ex center for visual, auditory, andtactile responses.arrow_forwardIn the sympathetic nervous system, which of the following prevents apoptosis? A. Steroid hormones B. Nerve growth factor C. Physical exercise D. Myelinationarrow_forward
- When the dentist gives you a lidocaine injection before drilling into a tooth, she numbs a nerve in your mouth, which is a A)cranial nerve and part of the peripheral nervous system. B)cranial nerve and part of the central nervous system. C)spinal nerve and part of the peripheral nervous system. D)spinal nerve and part of the central nervous system.arrow_forwardAfter someone has had a stroke, what kind of drug might be helpful, and which brain areas should receive it? a. It would be best to deliver tranquilizers to the damaged area of the brain. b. It would be best to deliver stimulant drugs to the damaged area of the brain. c. It would be best to deliver tranquilizers to cells previously connected to the neurons that have been damaged. d. It would be best to deliver stimulant drugs to cells previously connected to the neurons that have been damaged.arrow_forwardThe process of myelination results in an increase in white matter. Myelination happens for all brain regions. Because of increases in myelination A) At the same time; neural signals can travel through the brain faster B) At different times; neural signals can travel through the brain faster C) At different times; neurogenesis is improved D) At the same time; neurogenesis is improvedarrow_forward
- What is the term used to refer to an area of the body that sends cutaneous sensory information to a single spinal cord segment? a. Microtome b. Somatosegment c. Dermatome d. Spinal region Which chemical is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan? a. serotonin b. endorphin c. dopamine d. nitric oxidearrow_forwardNeurotransmitters are released by_____ . a. axon terminals c. dendrites b. a neuron cell body d. glial cellsarrow_forwardThe part of the brain that is responsible for coordination during movement is the ______. a. limbic system b. thalamus c. cerebellum d. parietal lobearrow_forward
- Neurons contain ________, which can receive signals from other neurons. a. axons b. mitochondria c. dendrites d. Golgibodiesarrow_forwardA presynaptic neuron in the cerebrum transmits information to hundreds of other neurons. This process is an example of (a) convergence (b) divergence (c) temporal summation (d) spatial summation (e) a graded potentialarrow_forwardWhat do multiple sclerosis and ALS (amyotropic lateral sclerosis) have in common?a. They both are more common in young men than in young women.b. They both impair the initiation of action potentials.c. They both damage the myelin sheath, disrupting action potential transmission.d. They both impair nerve function in the peripheral nervous systemarrow_forward
- Concepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax CollegeComprehensive Medical Assisting: Administrative a...NursingISBN:9781305964792Author:Wilburta Q. Lindh, Carol D. Tamparo, Barbara M. Dahl, Julie Morris, Cindy CorreaPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap ...BiologyISBN:9781285866932Author:Lauralee SherwoodPublisher:Cengage Learning