Question

The main functions of sympathetic nervous system are

• A. The contraction of skin blood vessels and sudden increase of blood pressure
• B. Contraction of muscles, secretion of sweat glands and rapid coagulation of blood
• C. Dilation of bronchi, contraction of heart and sudden decrease in the number of RBC in the blood
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

During the initial activation of the sympathetic system, norepinephrine gets released first as a preparatory hormone. This gets the body ready for the first stages of the emergency event.

First, blood flow will increase to all essential tissues. This includes increased blood flow to the skeletal muscle, which will be needed to escape the situation and/or fight off the threat.

Secondly, more oxygen will be needed to produce ATP (energy), so breathing rates will increase.

Finally, glycogen, which is a storage form of glucose, will be broken down so that glucose molecules can be used for energy. These are the primary responses that will take place in the body when the sympathetic nervous system is activated.