Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for increasing heart rate during and after strenuous exercise in a student-athlete?

• A. Parasympathetic division
• B. Sympathetic division
• C. Enteric nervous system
• D. Somatic nervous system

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. The sympathetic division is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, which includes increasing heart rate, while the parasympathetic division is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response, which slows the heart rate.
2. Recognize that strenuous exercise activates the body's need for increased oxygen and energy delivery to muscles, which is facilitated by the sympathetic division of the ANS.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: The parasympathetic division slows the heart rate, so it is not responsible for increasing heart rate during exercise. The enteric nervous system primarily controls gastrointestinal functions and is unrelated to heart rate regulation. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements and does not regulate autonomic functions like heart rate.
4. Focus on the sympathetic division, which increases heart rate by stimulating the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine from the adrenal medulla. These hormones act on beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart to increase the rate and force of contractions.
5. Conclude that the sympathetic division is the correct answer because it is primarily responsible for increasing heart rate during and after strenuous exercise in a student-athlete.