Introductory Psychology CLEP Prep Practice Exam

The primary function of the autonomic nervous system is to:

1. Control body temperature

2. Regulate heart rate

3. Process incoming sensory information

4. Learn from experience

The correct answer is: Regulate heart rate

The primary function of the autonomic nervous system is to regulate involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the main role of the autonomic nervous system. While the ANS does play a role in controlling body temperature, this is not its primary function. Likewise, while sensory information and learning from experience are important functions of the nervous system, they are primarily controlled by other subsystems, such as the sensory and somatic nervous systems. Therefore, B is the correct answer as it best describes the main function of the autonomic nervous system.