Question

Tania just barely avoided a head-on collision on a narrow road. With heart pounding, hands shaking, and body perspiring, tania recognizes that these are signs of the body's fight-or-flight response, which is controlled by the: A. empathetic division of the peripheral nervous system. B. parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. C. somatic division of the peripheral nervous system. D. sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.

Short answer

A. Empathetic division B. Parasympathetic division C. Somatic division D. Sympathetic division Answer: D. Sympathetic division

Step-by-step solution

Understand the nervous system

To answer this question, it's important to know the different divisions of the nervous system. The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS is further divided into the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the somatic nervous system. The ANS is responsible for involuntary processes in the body, while the somatic nervous system controls voluntary actions. The ANS is further divided into Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS).

Understand each option

Now let's analyze each given option: A. Empathetic division does not exist in the nervous system, so this option can be discarded. B. Parasympathetic division is part of the ANS, but it is responsible for rest and digestion, not for the fight-or-flight response. C. Somatic division is part of the PNS and controls voluntary muscle movements. This is not responsible for the fight-or-flight response. D. Sympathetic division is part of the ANS, and it is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. This is the response Tania experienced.

Select the correct answer

After analyzing and understanding the different divisions of the nervous system given in the options, we can determine that the correct answer is: D. Sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.

Key concepts

Sympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is a key player in our body's response to stressful situations. Imagine you're in a dangerous situation, like Tania with her near car collision; your body doesn't have time to think but needs to react instantly. This is where the sympathetic nervous system kicks in.

It's often associated with the "fight-or-flight" response. This response prepares your body to either face the threat or run away from it. The SNS achieves this by activating various physiological changes in your body:

• It increases heart rate, ensuring more blood—and therefore oxygen—reaches your muscles.
• It dilates pupils to improve vision.
• It inhibits processes that aren't crucial right at the moment, like digestion.
• It stimulates sweat glands to keep us cool under pressure.

All these adjustments are made in milliseconds, illustrating how essential the sympathetic nervous system is for survival in immediate danger.

Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a critical part of our nervous system that oversees involuntary bodily functions. The amazing part about the ANS is that it operates without us having to think about it. When you breathe, your heart beats, or your digestion processes food, the ANS is at work.

The ANS is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Each has distinct roles:

• Sympathetic Nervous System: Activates the fight-or-flight response. It's the body's way of preparing to confront or flee from threats.
• Parasympathetic Nervous System: Often called "rest and digest," it helps the body relax and conserve energy after a threat has passed or during non-stressful times.

The collaboration between these two systems maintains our body's internal environment, ensuring it adapts to both stressful and non-stressful situations seamlessly.

Nervous System Divisions

The nervous system is a complex communication network that connects different parts of the body, sending signals to and from the brain to coordinate actions. It's organized into two main components: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Here's a closer look at each:

• Central Nervous System: Composed of the brain and spinal cord, it acts as the control center for processing information and executing actions.
• Peripheral Nervous System: Includes all the nerves outside the CNS. It connects the CNS to limbs and organs.

Within the PNS, there are further subdivisions:

• Somatic Nervous System: Oversees voluntary movements, like walking or picking up objects.
• Autonomic Nervous System: Regulates involuntary bodily functions and is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Understanding these divisions helps us see how the body coordinates different functions, both voluntary and involuntary, to respond to internal and external stimuli effectively.