Which term describes the division of the nervous system that includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

Which term describes the division of the nervous system that includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?

• A. Central nervous system (CNS)
• B. Peripheral nervous system (PNS)
• C. Somatic nervous system
• D. Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

Answer: (D)

The division that governs involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and pupil size, is the autonomic nervous system. It has two branches: sympathetic, which prepares the body for action (fight-or-flight), and parasympathetic, which promotes rest-and-digest activities. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, not a subdivision that includes these two branches. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the CNS but isn’t the specific label for this dual-branch system. The somatic nervous system handles voluntary movements and conscious sensation. So, the term that describes the division including both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions is the autonomic nervous system.

The division that governs involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and pupil size, is the autonomic nervous system. It has two branches: sympathetic, which prepares the body for action (fight-or-flight), and parasympathetic, which promotes rest-and-digest activities. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, not a subdivision that includes these two branches. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the CNS but isn’t the specific label for this dual-branch system. The somatic nervous system handles voluntary movements and conscious sensation. So, the term that describes the division including both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions is the autonomic nervous system.