Which division of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body for action?

• A. Sympathetic division
• B. Enteric division
• C. Somatic nervous system
• D. Parasympathetic division

Answer: (D)

The action-preparing response is driven by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. It triggers the fight-or-flight state: heart rate and force of contraction increase to pump more blood to muscles, airways dilate to improve oxygen intake, pupils widen for better vision, glucose is released for quick energy, and digestion is temporarily slowed to conserve energy for immediate demands. This rapid, coordinated activation helps you respond to threats or intense situations.

In contrast, the parasympathetic division promotes rest and digestion, slowing the heart, constricting pupils, stimulating digestion, and conserving energy. The enteric division mainly handles the gastrointestinal tract, and the somatic nervous system governs voluntary muscle movement, not the autonomic readiness for action.