The autonomic division that mediates 'fight or flight' responses is which?

The autonomic division that mediates 'fight or flight' responses is which?

• A. Sympathetic
• B. Parasympathetic
• C. Enteric
• D. Central

Answer: (A)

When quick action is needed, the autonomic nervous system shifts into gear to ready the body for action. The sympathetic division coordinates these rapid changes: heart rate and the strength of heart contractions rise to boost blood flow to muscles; airways dilate to improve breathing; pupils enlarge; digestion slows to conserve energy. Adrenaline release from the adrenal medulla further amplifies this readiness. This coordinated set of responses is the classic fight-or-flight pattern. In contrast, the parasympathetic division promotes rest and digestion, the enteric system handles gut-specific neural activity, and the central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord that organize these pathways. So the autonomic division that mediates fight-or-flight responses is the sympathetic division.

When quick action is needed, the autonomic nervous system shifts into gear to ready the body for action. The sympathetic division coordinates these rapid changes: heart rate and the strength of heart contractions rise to boost blood flow to muscles; airways dilate to improve breathing; pupils enlarge; digestion slows to conserve energy. Adrenaline release from the adrenal medulla further amplifies this readiness. This coordinated set of responses is the classic fight-or-flight pattern. In contrast, the parasympathetic division promotes rest and digestion, the enteric system handles gut-specific neural activity, and the central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord that organize these pathways. So the autonomic division that mediates fight-or-flight responses is the sympathetic division.