Distinguish between the sympathetic and 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 of the activity of each division on several bodily processes.
What will be an ideal response?
Students' examples may vary.
The answer should contain the following information:
The sympathetic nervous system acts to prepare an organism's body for action in stressful situations by engaging all of the organism's resources to run away or confront the threat. This response is often called the "fight-or-flight" response. On the other hand, 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 fight-or-flight situations, such as noticing a threatening stranger in a desolate car park, being part of a near-accident on the road, and so on. The parasympathetic nervous system, however, becomes active in calm, restful situations, such as relaxing after dinner or resting in bed before falling asleep.
Activation of the sympathetic nervous system causes the pupils to dilate (enhanced vision), relaxes the bronchi (increased air to lungs), accelerates and strengthens heartbeat (increased oxygen), inhibits the activity (blood to muscles) of the stomach and intestines, and contracts the vessels of internal organs. Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, causes the pupils to contract, slows heartbeat, constricts the bronchi, stimulates the activity of the stomach and intestines, and dilates the vessels of internal organs.
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