Which statements are correct concerning the parasympathetic division of the ANS? a: Preganglionic neuron cell bodies are located in brainstem nuclei. b: Preganglionic neuron cell bodies are located in the lateral horns of the T1−L2 regions. c: It participates in the “fight-or-flight” response. d: It maintains homeostasis. e: Preganglionic neuron cell bodies are located in the sacral region of the spinal cord.

The correct statements regarding the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system are: a, d, and e.

a: Preganglionic neuron cell bodies are located in brainstem nuclei.

d: It maintains homeostasis.

e: Preganglionic neuron cell bodies are located in the sacral region of the spinal cord.

Explanation:

• a is correct because the parasympathetic preganglionic neurons indeed originate in the brainstem, within specific nuclei such as the Edinger-Westphal nucleus for the oculomotor nerve (CN III), the superior salivatory nucleus for the facial nerve (CN VII), the inferior salivatory nucleus for the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), and the dorsal motor nucleus for the vagus nerve (CN X).
• d is correct as the main role of the parasympathetic nervous system is to conserve energy and restore the body to a state of calm, thereby maintaining homeostasis. It is sometimes referred to as the "rest and digest" system.
• e is correct because parasympathetic preganglionic neurons also originate in the sacral spinal cord (S2-S4), which are known as the craniosacral outflow of the parasympathetic nervous system.