Question

multiple choice 2 points

which of the following is not a function of the autonomic nervous system?

sexual arousal
pupillary response
digestion
walking
heart rate

Explanation:

Define the autonomic nervous system

Using the Autonomic Nervous System knowledge point

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a division of the peripheral nervous system that operates involuntarily to regulate visceral functions, including smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.

Evaluate the given physiological functions

• sexual arousal: Regulated involuntarily by both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS.
• pupillary response: Controlled involuntarily by the pupillary dilator (sympathetic) and sphincter (parasympathetic) muscles.
• digestion: Regulated involuntarily by the parasympathetic division and the enteric nervous system.
• walking: Involves voluntary skeletal muscle contraction, which is controlled by the somatic nervous system.
• heart rate: Modulated involuntarily by sympathetic (increases) and parasympathetic (decreases) inputs.

Identify the non-autonomic function

Since walking is a voluntary motor activity controlled by the somatic nervous system rather than the autonomic nervous system, it is not a function of the ANS.

Answer:

• sexual arousal
• pupillary response
• digestion
• walking (Correct answer)
• heart rate