Question

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system A. increases salivation and increases blood pressure. B. decreases salivation and increases blood pressure. C. decreases salivation and decreases blood pressure. D. increases salivation and decreases blood pressure.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. decreases salivation and increases blood pressure

Explanation:

The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomous nervous system which controls involuntary responses of the body such as salivation and blood pressure.

The sympathetic nervous system  is majorly responsible for body actions that are produced when threat is perceived. It generates responses referred to as the “fight or flight” response. Examples of such responses include, increased breathing, increased high blood pressure, dilation, decreased salivation, etc.

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system would result in rise in the blood pressure as can be witnessed by someone whose body has perceived a threat or reacting to a stressful situation.

The control of salivary production by the sympathetic nervous system  leads to the release of noradrenaline which acts on certain receptors that results in decrease in the production of saliva. This is evident in a person that is facing a threat also.