Which of the following is a benefit of a nerve plexus in the autonomic nervous system?

• A. It increases the speed of nerve impulse transmission by eliminating synapses.
• B. It allows for redundancy in nerve supply, ensuring that if one pathway is damaged, others can maintain function.
• C. It prevents any overlap between sensory and motor pathways.
• D. It restricts communication between different regions of the nervous system.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of a nerve plexus: A nerve plexus is a network of intersecting nerves that allows for communication and coordination between different regions of the nervous system. It is commonly found in the autonomic nervous system and plays a critical role in ensuring redundancy and flexibility in nerve supply.
2. Analyze the options provided: Evaluate each statement to determine its accuracy based on the function of a nerve plexus. For example, the statement 'It increases the speed of nerve impulse transmission by eliminating synapses' is incorrect because synapses are essential for communication between neurons.
3. Focus on redundancy: A key benefit of a nerve plexus is its ability to provide overlapping nerve pathways. This ensures that if one pathway is damaged, other pathways can compensate and maintain function. This redundancy is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and proper organ function.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: The statement 'It prevents any overlap between sensory and motor pathways' is incorrect because nerve plexuses often involve both sensory and motor fibers. Similarly, 'It restricts communication between different regions of the nervous system' is incorrect because nerve plexuses facilitate communication rather than restrict it.
5. Select the correct answer: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is 'It allows for redundancy in nerve supply, ensuring that if one pathway is damaged, others can maintain function.' This aligns with the primary benefit of a nerve plexus in the autonomic nervous system.