Which of the following responses is characteristic of parasympathetic activation?

Parasympathetic activation is part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes the body’s rest-and-digest functions. One of the key characteristics of parasympathetic activation is the enhancement of digestive processes. When the parasympathetic system is activated, it stimulates the digestive organs, increasing peristalsis (the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through the digestive tract) and promoting the secretion of digestive enzymes. This response helps the body effectively process food, absorb nutrients, and maintain overall metabolic balance.

In contrast, activation of the sympathetic nervous system typically leads to responses that inhibit non-essential functions such as digestion, increasing heart rate, and decreasing saliva production, among other "fight or flight" responses. Thus, the option highlighting increased digestion accurately reflects the nature of parasympathetic activation, emphasizing the system's role in promoting rest and recuperation rather than stress responses.