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 biological state was a result of the activation of the Sympathetic division of the nervous system.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Scenario

In this scenario, Maria witnessed a distressing event resulting in physical responses of panic - sweating and a racing heart. These are indicators of a reaction referred to in biology as the 'fight or flight' response.

Associating Response to Nervous System Division

The 'fight or flight' response is controlled by a part of the nervous system called the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which in turn is divided into two main divisions - Sympathetic and Parasympathetic. The 'fight or flight' response, characterized by increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and sweating, is governed by the Sympathetic division of the ANS, making it the correct answer.

Key concepts

Sympathetic Nervous System

The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is one of the two main divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System, with the other being the Parasympathetic Nervous System. The SNS is often described as the rapid response mobilizer, preparing the body for immediate action. When confronted with acute stress, such as witnessing an accident like Maria did, the SNS springs into action.

This activation leads to a series of physiological changes to help the individual cope with potential threats. For example, the heart rate increases to pump more blood to muscles, the pupils dilate for better vision, and sweating occurs to prevent overheating. These responses are essential for survival, allowing a person to act quickly and effectively in dangerous situations.

Understanding the Sympathetic Nervous System is vital not just for students of biology but also for medical professionals, as it has implications for the treatment of various conditions where managing the body's stress response is crucial.

Fight or Flight Response

The 'fight or flight' response, scientifically known as the acute stress response, is an automatic physiological reaction to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival. This response is directly triggered by the Sympathetic Nervous System. It equips the body with the energy and physiological prowess needed to confront or escape from the threat.

This process involves the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) from the adrenal glands, which leads to increased blood flow to muscles, heightened senses, and a boost in energy reserves. It's an evolutionary adaptation that enabled our ancestors to face predators and emergencies.

For students like those using this educational platform, relating such biological concepts to real-life scenarios, as seen with Maria's reaction to the accident, enhances comprehension and retention of the subject matter. Situation-based learning can significantly improve the understanding of complex biological phenomena.

Psychological Stress Responses

Psychological stress responses are the body's reaction to a situation that challenges or exceeds an individual's ability to cope. While the 'fight or flight' response is the initial physical reaction to stress, psychological responses can include anxiety, fear, and heightened vigilance. Maria's panic upon seeing the accident highlights such psychological stress responses.

Chronic exposure to these stressors without adequate recovery can lead to health complications such as hypertension, depression, or even impaired immune function. Therefore, the study of psychological stress responses extends beyond biology and into the realm of psychology and health sciences. Educating students on managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and other modalities can help prevent the negative health effects associated with chronic stress.