Which of the following physiologic principles would be considered a function of the somatic nervous system?
the patella reflex "knee jerk" activated by tapping the patella tendon
abdominal viscera the beginning of depolarization in the cardiac conduction of impulses
the act of typing a report using a computer keyboard
withdrawing the hand after touching a hot surface
The Correct Answer is C
A) The patella reflex ("knee jerk") activated by tapping the patella tendon: The patellar reflex is a monosynaptic spinal reflex that involves the somatic nervous system but is a reflex action rather than a voluntary motor function. The somatic nervous system governs voluntary movements, but reflex actions like the patellar reflex are involuntary responses that do not require higher brain input, though they involve somatic motor pathways.
B) Abdominal viscera the beginning of depolarization in the cardiac conduction of impulses: This process is primarily under the control of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), not the somatic nervous system. The ANS regulates involuntary processes like heart rate and digestion, while the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and somatic sensation.
C) The act of typing a report using a computer keyboard: Typing is a voluntary motor activity, controlled by the somatic nervous system. The somatic system is responsible for conscious, voluntary actions such as moving muscles in the arms, hands, and fingers to type. This is the most accurate example of a somatic function.
D) Withdrawing the hand after touching a hot surface: This is a reflex action known as the "withdrawal reflex," which involves the somatic nervous system. However, it is an involuntary action triggered by a sensory stimulus. While it does involve the somatic system, it is not a voluntary action like typing, and reflexes are considered part of the automatic response mechanisms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Phagocytosis: Phagocytosis refers to the process by which a cell engulfs large particles, such as pathogens or debris, and brings them into the cell. It is not related to the movement of hormones across the cell membrane.
B) Endocytosis: Endocytosis is the process where a cell engulfs substances from the external environment and brings them into the cell. However, this term is typically used when substances like nutrients or larger molecules are taken into the cell, not when hormones are being secreted out of the cell.
C) Pinocytosis: Pinocytosis is a type of endocytosis in which the cell engulfs extracellular fluid and dissolved substances. It is often referred to as "cell drinking" and involves the uptake of fluids, not the secretion of hormones across the membrane.
D) Exocytosis: This is the correct answer. Exocytosis is the process by which substances, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, are transported from inside the cell to the outside by vesicles that fuse with the cell membrane. In the case of hormones, they are synthesized within the cell and then released into the extracellular space via exocytosis, enabling them to reach their target sites.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Sweating: Sweating is a function of the sympathetic nervous system, not the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, which includes activating sweat glands. The parasympathetic system, in contrast, is more involved in "rest and digest" functions.
B) Pupil dilation: Pupil dilation (mydriasis) is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system through the activation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. The parasympathetic system causes pupil constriction (miosis) by stimulating muscarinic receptors in the eye, which is the opposite of pupil dilation.
C) Vasoconstriction: Vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) is generally a
function of the sympathetic nervous system, which releases norepinephrine to constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure. The parasympathetic system typically causes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) to promote relaxation and decreased blood pressure.
D) Anabolism: Anabolism refers to the metabolic processes that build up molecules and store energy, such as protein synthesis, cell growth, and energy storage. This is primarily mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system, which is involved in "rest and digest" functions. The parasympathetic system promotes activities that support energy conservation, digestion, and tissue repair, all of which support anabolic processes.
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