Which of the choices below describes the ANS?
A) motor fibers that conduct nerve impulses from the CNS to smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands
B) motor fibers that conduct nerve impulses from the CNS to skeletal muscles
C) sensory neurons that convey information from somatic receptors in the head, body wall, and limbs and from receptors from the special senses of vision, hearing, taste, and smell to the CNS
D) sensory and motor neurons that supply the digestive tract

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ANS (autonomic nervous system) is responsible for regulating the involuntary actions of the body such as smooth muscle contraction, cardiac muscle contraction, and gland secretion. It consists of motor neurons that conduct nerve impulses from the CNS (central nervous system) to these target tissues/organs. Option A accurately describes the function of the ANS.

Options B and C describe the somatic nervous system, which is responsible for voluntary movements and sensory experiences of the body wall and limbs. Option D describes the enteric nervous system, which is a subdivision of the ANS that regulates digestive functions.

Which of the Choices Below Describes the ANS