What are typical effects of stimulating muscarinic receptors?

Stimulating muscarinic receptors leads to various physiological effects that are primarily part of the parasympathetic nervous system response. This stimulation is associated with increased glandular secretions, such as saliva and other digestive fluids, which aids in digestion. Additionally, activation of muscarinic receptors slows down the heart rate, a response known as a negative chronotropic effect. This decrease in heart rate occurs because muscarinic receptors on the heart inhibit the pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node, leading to a slower heartbeat.

In contrast, other choices suggest effects that are more aligned with sympathetic stimulation, like increased heart rate and pupil dilation, which are not typical of muscarinic receptor activation. Similarly, bronchial dilation and decreased motility are effects commonly associated with adrenergic stimulation rather than cholinergic activity. Lastly, the options mentioning dry mouth and decreased sweating indicate an inhibition of secretory functions, which is contrary to the stimulatory effects expected from muscarinic receptor activation. Thus, the choice highlighting increased glandular secretions alongside decreased heart rate accurately reflects the typical actions resulting from the stimulation of muscarinic receptors.