National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a subdivision of the autonomic nervous system?

1. Sympathetic

2. Neural

3. Parasympathetic

4. Enteric

The correct answer is: Neural

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a critical component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiological functions. It is subdivided into three primary parts: the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, preparing the body for stressful situations. The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, promotes the "rest and digest" processes, helping the body conserve energy and maintain homeostasis. The enteric nervous system manages the complex processes of the gastrointestinal system, often referred to as the "second brain" due to its ability to operate independently of the central nervous system. The term "neural" does not refer to a recognized subdivision of the autonomic nervous system. Instead, it is a general term that can pertain to anything related to nerves or the nervous system broadly, without defining a specific functional division like the other three options. Hence, identifying "neural" as not a subdivision is correct within the context of the autonomic nervous system's structural and functional hierarchy.