PANCE Genitourinary Practice Test

Which autonomic system increases urination?

Parasympathetic system Sympathetic system Somatic nervous system Enteric nervous system

Correct Answer:

Parasympathetic system

Explanation:

Urination is driven by the parasympathetic system. When the bladder fills, stretch signals trigger a reflex that activates the pelvic nerves (S2–S4). These nerves release acetylcholine onto muscarinic receptors on the detrusor smooth muscle, causing it to contract and push urine toward the urethra. At the same time, parasympathetic activity promotes relaxation of the internal urethral sphincter, allowing voiding to occur. The external sphincter is controlled by the somatic system and must relax voluntarily for urine to pass. The sympathetic system, in contrast, promotes urine storage by relaxing the detrusor and constricting the internal sphincter; the enteric system mainly governs GI function, not urination.

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