Which branch of the autonomic nervous system is activated when a person is agitated by a stressor?Multiple Choiceparasympatheticcentralsympatheticsomatic

Identifying the Correct Answer

1. Understanding the Question
   The question asks about the branch of the autonomic nervous system that gets activated in response to a stressor when a person is agitated.

2. Examining the Options

   • Parasympathetic: This branch is often associated with "rest and digest" activities, calming the body down after a stress response.
   • Central: This term usually refers to the central nervous system (CNS) but isn’t specifically a branch of the autonomic nervous system.
   • Sympathetic: This branch prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses during times of stress, increasing alertness and energy.
   • Somatic: This branch is responsible for voluntary control over skeletal muscles, not directly related to stress responses.

3. Analyzing Stress Responses
   When a person experiences agitation due to a stressor, the sympathetic nervous system is activated. This leads to various physiological changes such as increased heart rate, heightened attention, and energy mobilization.

Final Answer

The correct answer is sympathetic. This branch of the autonomic nervous system is activated when a person is agitated by a stressor.