Imagine You are Resting Comfortably on a Sofa After Dinner

Question

Imagine you are resting comfortably on a sofa after dinner.This could be described as a state with
A)increased activity in the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems.
B)decreased activity in the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems.
C)decreased activity in the sympathetic nervous system, and increased activity in the parasympathetic and enteric nervous systems.
D)increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system, and decreased activity in the parasympathetic and enteric nervous systems.
E)increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system, decreased activity in the parasympathetic nervous system, and increased activity in the enteric nervous system.

Accepted Answer

When a person is resting comfortably on a sofa after dinner, the body shifts into a state of relaxation and decreased activity in the sympathetic nervous system. This results in a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. At the same time, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated which promotes digestion and absorption of nutrients. The enteric nervous system, which is responsible for the regulation of gastrointestinal functions, also increases its activity. Therefore, choice C is the most appropriate answer.