Question

Activation of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system produces _____ in heart rate, and activation of the parasympathetic division produces _____.
a.increases, additional increases in heart rate
b.increases, decreases in heart rate
c.decreases, increases in blood pressure
d.decreases, additional decreases in heart rate

Answer 1

The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system that carries stress responses or "flight or flight" responses that involves feelings of rush. The activation of sympathetic nervous system therefore increases the heart rate. The parasympathetic nervous system is another part of the autonomic nervous system which is responsible for "rest and digest" responses that involves feelings of relaxation. The activation of the parasympathetic nervous system decreases the heart rate.