Which organ receives major input from the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?

• A. Skeletal muscle
• B. Cerebral cortex
• C. Adrenal medulla
• D. Thyroid gland

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The sympathetic division is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, which prepares the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the adrenal medulla is a key organ in the sympathetic division. It is part of the adrenal glands located above the kidneys and plays a crucial role in releasing hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine directly into the bloodstream during sympathetic activation.
3. Step 3: Compare the adrenal medulla to the other options provided. Skeletal muscle is primarily controlled by the somatic nervous system, not the autonomic nervous system. The cerebral cortex is part of the brain responsible for higher-order functions like thinking and decision-making, and it does not receive direct input from the sympathetic division. The thyroid gland is involved in metabolism regulation and is primarily influenced by the endocrine system, not the sympathetic division.
4. Step 4: Understand why the adrenal medulla is the correct answer. It receives direct input from preganglionic sympathetic neurons, which stimulate the release of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) to amplify the body's response to stress.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the adrenal medulla is the organ that receives major input from the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, as it is directly involved in the body's rapid response to stress.