Question

While walking home from night class, a college student was frightened by a barking dog. After walking to another block, she notices her breathing and heart rate have slowed down to normal levels. Which branch of her nervous system is responsible for these changes?

• A. The sympathetic nervous system
• B. The parasympathetic nervous system
• C. The afferent nervous system
• D. The somatic nervous system

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The parasympathetic nervous system

The parasympathetic nervous system is one of three divisions of the autonomic nervous system. Sometimes called as the rest and digest system, the parasympathetic system conserves energy as it slows the heart rate, increases intestinal and gland activity, and relaxes sphincter muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B.