Which nervous system increases digestive activity?

Which nervous system increases digestive activity?

• A. Sympathetic nervous system
• B. Central nervous system
• C. Somatic nervous system
• D. Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer: (D)

Digestive activity is increased by the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. It supports the “rest and digest” state, boosting gut motility (peristalsis), stimulating digestive secretions, and relaxing sphincters to allow contents to move through the GI tract. These actions collectively enhance digestion and nutrient absorption. The sympathetic division, by contrast, slows digestion during stress. The central nervous system and somatic nervous system govern brain/spinal processes and voluntary muscle control, not the automatic upregulation of GI activity. So the parasympathetic system best explains increased digestive activity.

Digestive activity is increased by the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. It supports the “rest and digest” state, boosting gut motility (peristalsis), stimulating digestive secretions, and relaxing sphincters to allow contents to move through the GI tract. These actions collectively enhance digestion and nutrient absorption. The sympathetic division, by contrast, slows digestion during stress. The central nervous system and somatic nervous system govern brain/spinal processes and voluntary muscle control, not the automatic upregulation of GI activity. So the parasympathetic system best explains increased digestive activity.