Question

Which of the following statements about the autonomic nervous system is INCORRECT?  

A The preganglionic fibres in the parasympathetic division are usually long compared to the postganglionic fibres  

B The sympathetic division mediates responses that allow the body to respond to 'flight and fright' situations  

C The ganglia of the sympathetic division are usually close to the spinal cord  

D The adrenal medulla is a sympathetic ganglion  

E The parasympathetic nerves arise from the brain stem and the sacral region of the spinal cord

Answer 1

Statement D is incorrect. Adrenal medulla is the inner most part of adrenal gland, it is not a ganglion.

Sympathetic ganglia are close to spinal cord, so there preganglionic fibers are small. On the other hand, parasympathetic preganglionic fibers are long; therefore, statement "A" and "C" are correct. Statement "B" and "E" are also correct.