The Nervous System

A polygraph machine is often called a “lie detector,” although it does not detect lies. Instead, it responds to changes in

• cognitive states

• autonomic arousal

• parasympathetic functioning

• neurotransmitter level

Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system results in which of the following?

• An increase in pupil dilation

• An increase in respiratory rate

• A decrease in digestion

• A decrease in heart rate

The autonomic nervous system is most directly involved in

• driving a car

• reading a textbook

• digesting food

• experiencing pain

Ben was enjoying a walk in the woods on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. As he went around a curve, he noticed a bear walking toward him. Immediately his pupils dilated, he began to perspire, and his heart accelerated. These changes are most closely related to the function of the

• hippocampus

• parasympathetic nervous system

• sympathetic nervous system

• ventricular system

The division of the nervous system that most directly allows voluntary muscle movement is the

• somatic

• forebrain

• midbrain

• sympathetic

Joel’s pupils become dilated, his digestion is reduced, and his skin becomes cold. Which system is controlling his bodily changes?

• Parasympathetic

• Central

• Sympathetic

• Somatic

Which of the following is consistent with arousal of the sympathetic nervous system?

• Elevated levels of cortisol

• Elevated digestive activity

• Diminished norepinephrine activity

• Increased salivation

The role of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is to

• facilitate the body’s fight-or-flight response

• establish homeostasis after a fight-or-flight response

• prepare the body to cope with stress

• promote rapid cognitive processing

Which of the following correctly pairs subdivisions within the major divisions of the human nervous system?

• Somatic . . endocrine and exocrine

• Central . . somatic and sympathetic

• Autonomic . . sympathetic and parasympathetic

• Sympathetic . . parasympathetic and autonomic

Which of the following biological systems is most likely responsible for an increase in heart rate while experiencing anxiety?

• The central nervous system

• The sympathetic nervous system

• The parasympathetic nervous system

• The endocrine system