NCSF Sport Nutrition Specialist Certification Practice Test – Complete Exam Prep

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating motility within the gastrointestinal tract, as it controls involuntary bodily functions. This system is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

The parasympathetic nervous system enhances gastrointestinal motility and stimulates digestive processes, allowing for the efficient movement of food through the digestive tract. In contrast, the sympathetic nervous system generally inhibits gastrointestinal motility and reduces digestive activity, especially during stress responses. Together, these two branches of the autonomic nervous system maintain the appropriate balance of activity necessary for optimal gastrointestinal function.

The other systems listed play different roles; the central nervous system oversees voluntary actions and overall bodily coordination, while the peripheral nervous system primarily transmits signals to and from the central nervous system. The cerebral nervous system is not specifically involved in regulating gastrointestinal motility, which is predominantly managed by the autonomic components.