The heavy footsteps on the stairs get closer and closer. Slowly, the door to the bedroom creaks open. As a strange man with a knife in his hand lunges in, you let out an ear-piercing scream. Which of the following most accurately describes your nervous system at this point?
A) Your parasympathetic nervous system is more active than your sympathetic nervous system.
B) Neither your sympathetic nor your parasympathetic nervous systems are unusually active.
C) Both your sympathetic and your parasympathetic nervous systems are extremely active.
D) Your sympathetic nervous system is more active than your parasympathetic nervous system.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this situation, the body would likely be experiencing a fight or flight response, which is triggered by the sympathetic nervous system. This system would increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration to prepare the body for action. The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, would be decreasing these functions in normal, relaxed states, but would not be the dominant system in this high-stress situation. Therefore, option D is correct, and the sympathetic nervous system would be more active than the parasympathetic nervous system.

The Heavy Footsteps on the Stairs Get Closer and Closer