Practice Question
Which process is increased when the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated?
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Correct Answer:
Cardiac output.
Rationale:
⚡The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activates the fight-or-flight response, releasing norepinephrine and epinephrine that bind β₁-receptors in the heart.
⚡This stimulation increases heart rate (chronotropy) and stroke volume (inotropy), which together raise cardiac output (CO = HR × SV).
⚡SNS also vasoconstricts many vascular beds via α₁-receptors, redistributing blood to vital organs and skeletal muscle to support higher CO.
⚡Coronary perfusion and myocardial oxygen demand rise in parallel, matching supply to the increased workload.
⚡Clinically, SNS-driven CO augmentation presents as tachycardia, stronger pulses, and elevated systolic pressure, aligning with acute stress physiology.
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This question is from HESI Admission Assessment (A²) Exam Anatomy & Physiology which contains 30 questions.
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From Exam
HESI Admission Assessment (A²) Exam Anatomy & Physiology
30 Questions
View Full Exam Start PracticingQuestion Details
- Category: HESI A2
- Subcategory: Anatomy & Physiology Exam(s)
- Domain: Anatomy & Physiology~2025
- Answer Choices: 4