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) CSF proteins and an angiography: While cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a valuable diagnostic tool in multiple sclerosis (MS), angiography is not typically used in diagnosing MS. Angiography is primarily used to assess blood vessels and would not help in diagnosing a neurological condition like MS, which involves the central nervous system's myelin sheath.
B) Serum anti-acetylcholine antibodies and x-rays: Anti-acetylcholine antibodies are more relevant for diagnosing autoimmune conditions such as myasthenia gravis, not multiple sclerosis. Additionally, x-rays are not useful for diagnosing MS, as MS is primarily a disorder of the central nervous system, and x-rays are not effective in visualizing soft tissues or brain lesions associated with MS.
C) Serum albumin and a computed tomography (CT) scan: Serum albumin levels are not relevant for diagnosing MS. A CT scan may be used in some cases to rule out other conditions, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive and specific for diagnosing MS. MRI is particularly effective in detecting the plaques or lesions in the brain and spinal cord that are characteristic of MS.
D) Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This is the correct combination of diagnostic tests for multiple sclerosis. CSF analysis can show elevated levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and oligoclonal bands, which are common in MS. MRI is the most sensitive imaging tool for detecting the characteristic plaques or demyelinated areas in the brain and spinal cord, which are hallmarks of MS. Therefore, this combination is the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis of MS.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Decreased bowel sounds:
When the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is activated, such as during stress or a "fight-or-flight" response, blood is redirected away from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to vital organs like the heart and muscles. This results in decreased gastrointestinal motility and function, which is reflected in a reduction in bowel sounds. Decreased bowel sounds are a direct consequence of reduced blood flow and decreased activity in the GI system.
B) Increased blood glucose level:
While it is true that SNS activation can lead to an increase in blood glucose due to the release of catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), this response is related to the body’s preparation for physical exertion and not directly a result of blood being diverted from the GI tract. The increase in glucose levels is more about energy mobilization rather than an effect on blood flow to the GI tract.
C) Decreased immune reaction:
Sympathetic stimulation can indeed have effects on immune function, typically suppressing immune responses during a stress response. However, this is not directly linked to blood being diverted away from the GI tract. Immune suppression is more about the body prioritizing immediate survival (e.g., diverting energy to muscles for fight-or-flight) rather than a specific physiological consequence of GI blood flow changes.
D) Increased blood pressure:
Sympathetic nervous system activation does lead to an increase in blood pressure due to vasoconstriction and increased heart rate. However, increased blood pressure is a broader systemic response to SNS stimulation, and it is not directly related to blood being diverted from the GI tract. Blood pressure increases as part of the general "fight-or-flight" response, but it does not specifically indicate changes in GI blood flow.
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