Question

The sympathetic division of the autonomic system does not cause a. the liver to release glycogen. b. dilation of bronchioles. c. the gastrointestinal tract to digest food. d. an increase in the heart rate.

Short answer

The correct answer is (c) the gastrointestinal tract to digest food, as this is not a function of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system, also known as the "fight or flight" response, inhibits digestion during stressful situations to focus on other vital processes.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, also known as the "fight or flight" system, is responsible for preparing the body for stressful or emergency situations. Its primary functions include increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, increasing respiratory rate, and releasing glucose into the bloodstream.

Evaluate each option

a. the liver to release glycogen: The sympathetic nervous system promotes the release of glucose into the bloodstream by stimulating the liver to convert glycogen to glucose. So, this option is a function of the sympathetic division. b. dilation of bronchioles: Dilation of the bronchioles is another function of the sympathetic nervous system. It helps increase the amount of oxygen that can exchange with the blood, which is necessary during stressful situations. So, this option is also a function of the sympathetic division. c. the gastrointestinal tract to digest food: The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for inhibiting digestion during a "fight or flight" response. When the body is in a stress response, its focus shifts away from digestion and towards other vital processes. So, this option is *not* a function of the sympathetic division. d. an increase in the heart rate: The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for increasing heart rate to ensure the body has enough blood supply during a stress response. So, this option is a function of the sympathetic division.

Identify the correct answer

Since option c (the gastrointestinal tract to digest food) is the only option that is not a function of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, it is the correct answer.