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nmdcat.online July 28, 2026

An increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity will exert significantly different effects on different muscle types. Which of the following correctly describes the expected physiological response?

A. Increased contraction rate of cardiac muscle and relaxation of digestive smooth muscle
B. Decreased contraction rate of cardiac muscle and increased contraction of digestive smooth muscle
✓
C. Relaxation of skeletal muscle and decreased contraction of cardiac muscle
D. Increased contraction of skeletal muscle and relaxation of digestive smooth muscle

📝 Explanation

The parasympathetic nervous system (via the vagus nerve) slows down the heart rate (cardiac muscle) but stimulates the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract to promote digestion (peristalsis). It has no direct effect on skeletal muscle, which is controlled by the somatic nervous system.

📖 Additional Information

  • Increased contraction rate of cardiac muscle and relaxation of digestive smooth muscle
  • Decreased contraction rate of cardiac muscle and increased contraction of digestive smooth muscle
  • Relaxation of skeletal muscle and decreased contraction of cardiac muscle
  • Increased contraction of skeletal muscle and relaxation of digestive smooth muscle

The parasympathetic nervous system (via the vagus nerve) slows down the heart rate (cardiac muscle) but stimulates the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract to promote digestion (peristalsis). It has no direct effect on skeletal muscle, which is controlled by the somatic nervous system.

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