Which branch slows heart rate and promotes digestion?

Which branch slows heart rate and promotes digestion?

• A. Sympathetic
• B. Enteric
• C. Somatic
• D. Parasympathetic

Answer: (D)

Parasympathetic division. This part of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for rest and digestion. It slows the heart rate and promotes digestive activities, such as increasing GI motility and secretions, helping the body conserve energy and process meals. In contrast, the sympathetic division activates the fight-or-flight response, speeding up the heart and suppressing digestion. The enteric system is the gut’s own nerve network, while somatic control involves voluntary muscles, not these automatic adjustments.

Parasympathetic division. This part of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for rest and digestion. It slows the heart rate and promotes digestive activities, such as increasing GI motility and secretions, helping the body conserve energy and process meals. In contrast, the sympathetic division activates the fight-or-flight response, speeding up the heart and suppressing digestion. The enteric system is the gut’s own nerve network, while somatic control involves voluntary muscles, not these automatic adjustments.