Which subdivision is associated with the 'fight or flight' response?

Which subdivision is associated with the 'fight or flight' response?

• A. Sympathetic nervous system
• B. Parasympathetic nervous system
• C. Central nervous system
• D. Peripheral nervous system

Answer: (A)

The fight-or-flight response is driven by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, which prepares the body for quick action in danger. When activated, it raises heart rate and respiration, dilates the airways and pupils, redirects blood to muscles, increases glucose availability, and suppresses digestion, with adrenaline and noradrenaline signaling much of this rapid mobilization. The parasympathetic division promotes rest and digestion after the threat passes, so it’s the opposite of this rapid arousal. The central nervous system is the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system includes all nerves outside the CNS and contains both autonomic branches, but the subdivision specifically associated with fight-or-flight is the sympathetic division.

The fight-or-flight response is driven by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, which prepares the body for quick action in danger. When activated, it raises heart rate and respiration, dilates the airways and pupils, redirects blood to muscles, increases glucose availability, and suppresses digestion, with adrenaline and noradrenaline signaling much of this rapid mobilization. The parasympathetic division promotes rest and digestion after the threat passes, so it’s the opposite of this rapid arousal. The central nervous system is the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system includes all nerves outside the CNS and contains both autonomic branches, but the subdivision specifically associated with fight-or-flight is the sympathetic division.