Which statement about the autonomic nervous system is true?

Which statement about the autonomic nervous system is true?

• A. It has two branches, Parasympathetic and Sympathetic.
• B. It is part of the Somatic Nervous System.
• C. It Controls Voluntary Muscle Movements Only.
• D. It Does Not Influence Stress Responses.

Answer: (A)

The autonomic nervous system regulates functions that happen without our conscious effort and it operates through two main divisions that balance each other. One branch prepares the body to respond to stress or danger—heart rate increases, airways dilate, energy is mobilized, and alertness rises. The other branch promotes rest and recovery—slowing the heart, conserving energy, and promoting digestion. This dual-branch setup is what allows the body to shift quickly between action and rest as needed. The other statements miss key aspects: the autonomic nervous system is not part of the Somatic Nervous System and does not control voluntary muscles. It also does influence stress responses through its sympathetic activation and parasympathetic counterbalance. Therefore, the true description is that it has two branches, parasympathetic and sympathetic.

The autonomic nervous system regulates functions that happen without our conscious effort and it operates through two main divisions that balance each other. One branch prepares the body to respond to stress or danger—heart rate increases, airways dilate, energy is mobilized, and alertness rises. The other branch promotes rest and recovery—slowing the heart, conserving energy, and promoting digestion. This dual-branch setup is what allows the body to shift quickly between action and rest as needed.

The other statements miss key aspects: the autonomic nervous system is not part of the Somatic Nervous System and does not control voluntary muscles. It also does influence stress responses through its sympathetic activation and parasympathetic counterbalance. Therefore, the true description is that it has two branches, parasympathetic and sympathetic.