Which statement best describes a normal cholinergic effect on the GI tract?

Which statement best describes a normal cholinergic effect on the GI tract?

• A. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in overdose
• B. Increased spasmodic activity, salivation and acid secretion
• C. Decreased secretions and slowed motility
• D. No GI effect

Answer: (B)

Stimulation of the GI tract by cholinergic (parasympathetic) input increases gut motility and secretions. The statement that describes a rise in GI motility (spasmodic activity) along with increased salivation and gastric acid secretion matches this normal response. In contrast, saying there’s no GI effect or that secretions are decreased or motility slowed would reflect an opposite (anticholinergic or sympathetic) influence, not the usual cholinergic action. Describing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as the normal state would imply an overdose or excessive stimulation, which is not the baseline effect.

Stimulation of the GI tract by cholinergic (parasympathetic) input increases gut motility and secretions. The statement that describes a rise in GI motility (spasmodic activity) along with increased salivation and gastric acid secretion matches this normal response. In contrast, saying there’s no GI effect or that secretions are decreased or motility slowed would reflect an opposite (anticholinergic or sympathetic) influence, not the usual cholinergic action. Describing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as the normal state would imply an overdose or excessive stimulation, which is not the baseline effect.