Question

Maria saw a young boy run into the street and get hit by a car. When she got to the fallen child, she was in a state of panic. She was sweating, and her heart was racing Her biological state resulted from the activation of what division of the nervous system? a. Parasympathetic b. Central c. Sympathetic

Short answer

The correct division of the nervous system is the Sympathetic Division.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Concept

The nervous system consists of two main parts: the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which contains the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The ANS has two main divisions: the sympathetic division, which prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses in emergencies, and the parasympathetic division, which controls 'rest and digest' functions.

Analyzing the Symptoms

Maria’s symptoms include sweating and a racing heart. Such symptoms are indicative of a stress or 'fight or flight' response, prepared by the body to respond to acute stress situations. Although the Central Nervous System coordinates overall actions and reactions, these specific symptoms are connected to the 'fight or flight' response, which is not invoked by the Parasympathetic division but by the other division of the ANS.

Identifying the Correct Division

Based on the information analyzed in steps 1 and 2, the division of the nervous system that gets activated in response to stress or emergency and results in symptoms like the ones experienced by Maria is the Sympathetic Division.

Key concepts

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a crucial part of our body's functioning that we often don't think about as it operates involuntarily. Think of it as the body's autopilot system that keeps things running smoothly without us having to consciously control it. The ANS is responsible for regulating bodily functions such as:

• Heart rate
• Digestion
• Respiratory rate
• Pupillary response

It works by sending signals to various body parts to maintain balance, which is known as homeostasis. The ANS is further divided into two primary systems: the sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division. Each of these plays a unique role in managing our body's day-to-day operations as well as its reaction to external stimuli.

Sympathetic Division

The sympathetic division of the ANS is like the body’s emergency response team. When something unexpected happens, such as seeing a dangerous situation or experiencing a threat, this is the system that kicks into high gear. It helps prepare the body to either fight the danger or flee from it, which is why it's often associated with the 'fight or flight' response. Here’s how it works:

• Increases heart rate to pump more blood to muscles
• Dilates pupils to improve vision
• Relaxes airways for more oxygen intake
• Inhibits digestion to conserve energy for muscles

This quick response mechanism was crucial for human survival during the early days when facing wild animals or other threats. Even today, it’s activated during stressful scenarios, ensuring our bodies are physically ready to handle what's coming. So remember, if you're suddenly feeling on edge or notice your heart pounding, your sympathetic division might just be doing its job.

Fight or Flight Response

The 'fight or flight' response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived threat to your safety. Imagine this as your body’s built-in alarm system that goes off when something potentially harmful is detected. It was originally developed to help early humans survive threats by either facing them ('fight') or running away ('flight'). The process is initiated by:

• Release of adrenaline from the adrenal glands
• Heightened senses and increased alertness
• Faster breathing and heart rate for quick action
• Redirected blood flow to critical areas like muscles

While most modern-day threats are not life-threatening like they were in prehistoric times, this response still helps us cope with stressors. Whether you're about to speak in public, take an important exam, or react to an emergency situation like Maria witnessed, the 'fight or flight' response equips your body and mind to handle the challenge.