Which of the following statements about the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is incorrect?

• A. The parasympathetic division uses norepinephrine as its primary neurotransmitter.
• B. The parasympathetic division originates in the brainstem and sacral spinal cord.
• C. The parasympathetic division is responsible for 'rest and digest' activities.
• D. The parasympathetic division decreases heart rate and increases digestive activities.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It is primarily responsible for 'rest and digest' activities, which include decreasing heart rate and increasing digestive activities.
2. Identify the neurotransmitter used by the parasympathetic division. The primary neurotransmitter for the parasympathetic division is acetylcholine, not norepinephrine.
3. Recognize the origin of the parasympathetic division. It originates in the brainstem and sacral spinal cord, which is part of the craniosacral outflow.
4. Compare the neurotransmitter usage between the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions. The sympathetic division uses norepinephrine as its primary neurotransmitter, whereas the parasympathetic division uses acetylcholine.
5. Evaluate the statements given in the problem. The incorrect statement is the one that claims the parasympathetic division uses norepinephrine as its primary neurotransmitter, as this is characteristic of the sympathetic division.