Distinguish between the sympathetic and the parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. For each division, provide an example of a situation in which the division would become active. Describe the effects on several bodily processes of the activity of each division.
What will be an ideal response?
Students' examples may vary.
The answer should contain the following information:
The sympathetic nervous system acts to prepare the body for action in stressful situations by mobilizing the organism's resources for "fight or flight."
The parasympathetic nervous system acts to calm the body once a stressful situation or emergency has ended. It allows the body to store energy.
The sympathetic nervous system becomes active in such "fight-or-flight" situations as spotting a threatening stranger in a desolate parking garage, being involved in a near-accident on the road, and so on.
The parasympathetic nervous system becomes active in calm, restful situations such as relaxing after dinner or resting in bed before falling asleep.
Signs of sympathetic nervous system activity are increased heart rate, inhibited digestion, dilated pupils, shallow breathing.
Signs of parasympathetic nervous system activity are decreased heart rate, facilitated digestion, constricted pupils, slowed respiration.
You might also like to view...
The theory of emotion that proposes that different patterns of autonomic activation lead to the experience of different emotions is the
a. James-Lange theory. b. Cannon-Bard theory. c. Schachter two-factor theory. d. commonsense theory.
Regarding the age ranges for the risk of HIV/AIDS, which of the following statements is accurate? a. For women, the highest risk is between the ages of 15 and 25. b. For women, the highest risk is during their late 20s and early 30s. c. The age range for risk is lower for men than for women
d. The age ranges for risk are the same for both males and females.
Prescription sleeping pills are effective for _____ relief of insomnia and work by enhancing the functions of the inhibitory neurotransmitter _____.
A) long-term; glutamate B) short-term; norepinephrine C) long-term; acetylcholine D) short-term; GABA
When she hears her father at the door, three-year-old Ashley runs to the front door, where she gets a hug from her father. This hug is considered a(n)
a. antecedent. b. precursor. c. responding stimulus. d. consequence.