The sympathetic nervous system is primarily responsible for which of the following responses?

• A. Initiating the fight-or-flight response (e.g., increased heart rate and bronchodilation)
• B. Promoting rest-and-digest functions (e.g., increased gastrointestinal motility and salivation)
• C. Controlling voluntary skeletal muscle contraction via somatic motor neurons
• D. Detecting and transmitting pain and temperature sensations from the skin to the CNS

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) within the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which regulates involuntary body functions.
2. Recall that the SNS is activated during stressful or emergency situations, preparing the body for rapid action, commonly known as the fight-or-flight response.
3. Identify the physiological changes associated with the fight-or-flight response, such as increased heart rate, bronchodilation (widening of airways), and energy mobilization.
4. Contrast the SNS functions with the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes rest-and-digest activities like increased gastrointestinal motility and salivation.
5. Recognize that voluntary skeletal muscle control is managed by the somatic nervous system, and sensory detection of pain and temperature is handled by sensory neurons, not the SNS.