Question

The autonomic system has two divisions, called the a. CNS and PNS. b. somatic and skeletal divisions. c. efferent and afferent divisions. d. sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Short answer

The two divisions of the autonomic system are the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. The sympathetic division prepares the body for action and stimulates the "fight or flight" response, while the parasympathetic division maintains or restores the body's natural balance and promotes the "rest and digest" state.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the overall concept of the autonomic system

The autonomic system is a part of the nervous system that is responsible for controlling the body's involuntary functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. It operates without conscious effort, and its main purpose is to maintain the body's homeostasis or internal balance.

Analyze the options given in the question

Let's analyze each of the given options: a. CNS (central nervous system) and PNS (peripheral nervous system) are the two major divisions of the nervous system as a whole, not just the autonomic system. b. Somatic and skeletal divisions are not parts of the autonomic system. The somatic system is responsible for voluntary movements, while the skeletal division is associated with the skeletal muscles. c. Efferent and afferent divisions are not related to the autonomic system. Efferent nerves carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles or glands, while afferent nerves carry sensory information from the body to the brain and spinal cord.

Choose the correct answer

After analyzing the options, we can conclude that the correct answer is: d. Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions are the two divisions of the autonomic system. The sympathetic division prepares the body for action, stimulating the "fight or flight" response, while the parasympathetic division is responsible for maintaining or restoring the body's natural balance, promoting the "rest and digest" state.