Which system promotes rest and digestion?

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

Answer: (A)

Rest and digestion are regulated by the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. When this system is active, it slows the heart rate, allows blood flow to the digestive organs, increases digestive secretions and gut motility, and promotes energy storage. This is the body’s relaxation mode, helping processes like chewing, swallowing, and nutrient absorption to proceed efficiently after meals or during calm states.

In contrast, the sympathetic division drives the fight-or-flight response, ramping up heart rate and respiration, preparing muscles for action, and temporarily reducing digestion to prioritize immediate physical activity. The central nervous system refers to the brain and spinal cord, processing information but not specifically enforcing the rest-and-digest state. The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movement and sensory signaling, not autonomic regulation of digestion.