Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves are part of which nervous system?

1. Central nervous system

2. Somatic nervous system

3. Autonomic nervous system

4. Peripheral nervous system

The correct answer is: Autonomic nervous system

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves are components of the autonomic nervous system. This system is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. The sympathetic nerves prepare the body for 'fight or flight' responses, increasing heart rate and blood flow to muscles, while the parasympathetic nerves promote 'rest and digest' activities, slowing the heart and enhancing digestion. Focusing on the other options, the central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord, serving as the main control center for processing information. The somatic nervous system regulates voluntary movements and relays sensory and motor information to and from the central nervous system. The peripheral nervous system encompasses all nerves outside the central nervous system, including both the autonomic and somatic systems, but it does not specifically denote the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. Thus, the autonomic nervous system distinctly encompasses the roles of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves.