Which of the following statements regarding the autonomic nervous system is NOT true?

• A. The sympathetic division is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response.
• B. The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion.
• C. The autonomic nervous system primarily innervates skeletal muscles.
• D. The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is a division of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary physiological functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and glandular activity. It operates without conscious control.
2. Step 2: Review the two main divisions of the ANS: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. The sympathetic division is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, preparing the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and inhibiting digestion. The parasympathetic division, on the other hand, promotes 'rest and digest' activities, conserving energy and facilitating digestion and recovery.
3. Step 3: Analyze the statement about skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscles are primarily controlled by the somatic nervous system, not the autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system governs voluntary movements, while the ANS regulates involuntary functions.
4. Step 4: Compare the provided statements to the functions of the ANS. The statement 'The autonomic nervous system primarily innervates skeletal muscles' is incorrect because skeletal muscles are not under the control of the ANS; they are controlled by the somatic nervous system.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the statement about skeletal muscles, as it does not align with the functions of the autonomic nervous system. The other statements accurately describe the roles and divisions of the ANS.