Which statement correctly describes the autonomic nervous system fiber composition?

Which statement correctly describes the autonomic nervous system fiber composition?

• A. Both sensory and motor fibers.
• B. Only motor fibers.
• C. Only sensory fibers.
• D. Neither sensory nor motor fibers.

Answer: (A)

The autonomic nervous system includes both motor and sensory fibers. It sends motor (efferent) impulses from the CNS to involuntary targets like smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands via a two-neuron chain (preganglionic to postganglionic fibers). At the same time, visceral sensory (afferent) fibers carry information from internal organs—such as stretch or chemical changes—back to the CNS. These sensory fibers travel with autonomic pathways and help regulate autonomic output. So, the system’s fiber makeup comprises both motor and sensory components. For example, a drop in blood pressure triggers visceral sensory signals that inform the brain, which then adjusts motor output to raise BP.

The autonomic nervous system includes both motor and sensory fibers. It sends motor (efferent) impulses from the CNS to involuntary targets like smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands via a two-neuron chain (preganglionic to postganglionic fibers). At the same time, visceral sensory (afferent) fibers carry information from internal organs—such as stretch or chemical changes—back to the CNS. These sensory fibers travel with autonomic pathways and help regulate autonomic output. So, the system’s fiber makeup comprises both motor and sensory components. For example, a drop in blood pressure triggers visceral sensory signals that inform the brain, which then adjusts motor output to raise BP.