Suppose that when the doorbell rings your cat's pupils dilate and she runs under the couch. When you reach under the couch to grab the cat, you also notice that her heart rate has increased. Which response in your cat is the result of her autonomic nervous system?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary responses, such as the dilation of pupils and changes in heart rate. The movement of limb muscles, in this case running under the couch, is under the control of the somatic nervous system, which is voluntary. Therefore, only the dilation of pupils and the increased heart rate are due to the autonomic nervous system.

Suppose That When the Doorbell Rings Your Cat's Pupils Dilate