Epinephrine stimulates which response, increasing blood pressure and relieving bronchospasm?

Epinephrine is a powerful medication often used in emergency situations, particularly in cases of anaphylaxis or severe asthma attacks. It functions primarily by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response of the body. When epinephrine is administered, it leads to a number of physiological changes that increase blood pressure and relieve bronchospasm.

The sympathetic stimulation causes vasoconstriction in the peripheral blood vessels, which raises blood pressure. Additionally, epinephrine acts on beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs, causing the smooth muscles to relax, thereby dilating the bronchial passages and relieving bronchospasm. This dual action makes epinephrine an effective drug for managing acute allergic reactions and respiratory distress.

In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system focuses on rest and relaxation, which would not support increased blood pressure or bronchodilation. The cardiac and respiratory options refer to specific systems but do not encompass the broader role of the sympathetic system in the context of the actions stimulated by epinephrine. Thus, the sympathetic response is the underlying mechanism that accounts for the effects of epinephrine in critical care settings.