For the most rapid digestion, which ANS dominance leads to increased gastric emptying rate?

For the most rapid digestion, which ANS dominance leads to increased gastric emptying rate?

• A. Sympathetic dominance; increased gastric emptying
• B. Parasympathetic dominance; increased gastric emptying
• C. Parasympathetic dominance; decreased gastric emptying
• D. Sympathetic dominance; decreased gastric emptying

Answer: (B)

Parasympathetic dominance increases gastric motility and secretions, speeding up the movement of stomach contents into the small intestine. The vagus nerve stimulates smooth muscle contractions (peristalsis) and relaxes the pyloric sphincter, promoting faster gastric emptying. In contrast, sympathetic dominance constricts blood vessels, dampens GI smooth muscle activity, and slows or inhibits gastric emptying. So, the quickest digestion occurs when the parasympathetic system is dominant, leading to increased gastric emptying.

Parasympathetic dominance increases gastric motility and secretions, speeding up the movement of stomach contents into the small intestine. The vagus nerve stimulates smooth muscle contractions (peristalsis) and relaxes the pyloric sphincter, promoting faster gastric emptying. In contrast, sympathetic dominance constricts blood vessels, dampens GI smooth muscle activity, and slows or inhibits gastric emptying. So, the quickest digestion occurs when the parasympathetic system is dominant, leading to increased gastric emptying.