What effect do parasympathetic nerves generally have on target organs?

The correct answer is that parasympathetic nerves generally enhance digestive activity. This is because the parasympathetic nervous system is primarily responsible for promoting "rest and digest" functions in the body. When activated, this system stimulates various digestive processes, including saliva production, gastric secretion, and increased peristalsis in the intestines, facilitating the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.

This stands in contrast to the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses and often inhibits digestive processes. The parasympathetic response is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and ensuring that the body can effectively process food after a meal, highlighting the balance between these two branches of the autonomic nervous system in regulating bodily functions.