Question

Which is activated in stress conditions?
A. Somatic
B. Sympathetic
C. Parasympathetic
D. Whole ANS

Answer 1

Hint: When a person is stressed, the body's "fight or flight" response is activated and releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. The fight or flight response is also called acute stress response and is given by the body at the time of danger or stress.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
The autonomous nervous system is a part of the peripheral nervous system which is in turn divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The whole ANS is responsible for regulating involuntary physiological processes such as heart rate, blood pressure etc. The division of the nervous system that is responsible for the formation of localised adjustments such as sweating and reflexing cardiovascular system adjustments is called sympathetic nervous system. The entire sympathetic nervous system gets activated under stressful conditions and releases an immediate response of fight or flight. The release of this response is stimulated by the release of large epinephrine which increases the heartbeat rate and cardiac output.
The parasympathetic nervous system is dominating in rest and digest conditions. When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated it slows the heart beat rate which lowers the breathing rate and blood pressure and promotes digestion. During the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, the body enters a state of relaxation.

Thus, the correct answer is option B:- sympathetic.


Note: Acetylcholine, epinephrine and norepinephrine are the neurotransmitters involved in the autonomous nervous system. Acetylcholine is utilised by the preganglionic neurons of sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions and postganglionic neurons of parasympathetic divisions.