All of the following effects can occur if vagus is stimulated, except: March 2009
**Core Concept**
Stimulation of the vagus nerve can lead to various physiological responses, primarily due to its parasympathetic innervation of various organs. The vagus nerve is responsible for the regulation of various bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and respiration, through its release of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is D. Bronchial musculature relaxation. Stimulation of the vagus nerve leads to bronchodilation, which is the relaxation of the smooth muscle in the bronchi, resulting in an increase in airway diameter. This is mediated by the release of acetylcholine, which acts on muscarinic receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, causing relaxation. This is an example of parasympathetic control over the respiratory system.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Reduction in blood pressure is a correct effect of vagal stimulation, as the vagus nerve can slow the heart rate and decrease cardiac output, leading to a reduction in blood pressure.
**Option B:** Increase in secretions of the intestine is a correct effect of vagal stimulation. The vagus nerve stimulates the release of acetylcholine, which acts on muscarinic receptors in the intestinal smooth muscle, causing an increase in intestinal secretions and motility.
**Option C:** Intestinal musculature constriction is not a typical effect of vagal stimulation. Instead, the vagus nerve typically causes relaxation of the intestinal smooth muscle, leading to increased intestinal motility and secretion.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, and its stimulation can have significant effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. It is essential to understand the parasympathetic control of these systems to appreciate the effects of vagal stimulation.
**Correct Answer Line**
β Correct Answer: D. Bronchial musculature relaxation