Which one of the following statements regarding the regulation of gastrointestinal function is true?

A. The main sympathetic nerve supply to the digestive tract is the vagus.

B. In general, sympathetic stimulation is excitatory to digestive activity.

C. Salivary secretion is stimulated by both branches of the autonomic nervous system, although not to the same degree.

D. Parasympathetic stimulation of the salivary glands produces a saliva rich in mucus.

Correct Answer: Salivary secretion is stimulated by both branches of the autonomic nervous system, although not to the same degree.

Description: The salivary glands are under the influence of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Parasympathetic stimulation results in a more watery secretion compared with sympathetic stimulation, which produces increased amounts of protein with reduced volume. The vagus is parasympathetic, which in general is stimulatory to gastrointestinal tract. In general, sympathetics are inhibitory to the gastrointestinal tract. (The exceptions are salivary glands.)

Category: Physiology

Share:

← Previous MCQ

Next MCQ →

Get More

Subject Mock Tests

Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.

Attempt a mock test now

Mock Exam

Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.

Coming Soon

Get More

Subject Mock Tests

Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.

Attempt a mock test now

Mock Exam

Attempt an exam of 100 questions randomly chosen from all subjects.

Coming Soon