National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

Which system regulates involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion?

1. Somatic Nervous System

2. Central Nervous System

3. Autonomic Nervous System

4. Peripheral Nervous System

The correct answer is: Autonomic Nervous System

The correct answer is indeed the Autonomic Nervous System. This system plays a critical role in regulating involuntary bodily functions, which are processes that occur without conscious control. These functions include the regulation of heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, and several other autonomic functions necessary for survival. The Autonomic Nervous System is further divided into three branches: the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses; the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes 'rest and digest' functions; and the enteric nervous system, which governs the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. Together, these components work to maintain homeostasis and automatically adjust bodily responses to internal and external stimuli. In contrast, the Somatic Nervous System primarily controls voluntary movements and the relay of sensory information to the central nervous system, while the Central Nervous System itself is responsible for processing and interpreting sensory information, and coordinating voluntary actions. The Peripheral Nervous System encompasses all the nerves outside the central nervous system, connecting it to limbs and organs, but it is not specifically tasked with managing involuntary bodily functions. This distinction highlights why the Autonomic Nervous System is the appropriate answer to the question about regulating involuntary bodily functions