Which two divisions are described as parts of the autonomic nervous system?

Which two divisions are described as parts of the autonomic nervous system?

• A. Sympathetic Nervous System and Parasympathetic Nervous System
• B. Central Nervous System and Peripheral Nervous System
• C. Somatic Nervous System and Autonomic Nervous System
• D. Endocrine System and Nervous System

Answer: (A)

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions in the body, and it has two divisions that work together to regulate these processes: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. The sympathetic branch mobilizes the body for action—things like increasing heart rate and breathing, dilating pupils, and slowing digestion—to prepare for “fight or flight.” The parasympathetic branch does the opposite, promoting rest and recovery—slowing the heart rate, constricting pupils, and stimulating digestion—to conserve and restore energy. Together, they balance each other to maintain homeostasis. The other options describe different systems or broader divisions of the nervous system: the central and peripheral nervous systems are the two broad parts of the nervous system; the somatic nervous system handles voluntary control of muscles; the endocrine system uses hormones rather than nerve signals. None of these describe the two branches that specifically comprise the autonomic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions in the body, and it has two divisions that work together to regulate these processes: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. The sympathetic branch mobilizes the body for action—things like increasing heart rate and breathing, dilating pupils, and slowing digestion—to prepare for “fight or flight.” The parasympathetic branch does the opposite, promoting rest and recovery—slowing the heart rate, constricting pupils, and stimulating digestion—to conserve and restore energy. Together, they balance each other to maintain homeostasis.

The other options describe different systems or broader divisions of the nervous system: the central and peripheral nervous systems are the two broad parts of the nervous system; the somatic nervous system handles voluntary control of muscles; the endocrine system uses hormones rather than nerve signals. None of these describe the two branches that specifically comprise the autonomic nervous system.