In the context of stress, if your perception and reaction time increase, which part of the nervous system is most likely responsible for this change?

• A. The sympathetic nervous system
• B. The enteric nervous system
• C. The somatic nervous system
• D. The parasympathetic nervous system

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the nervous system is divided into different parts, each responsible for specific functions related to body responses and control.
2. Recall that the sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system and is primarily responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, which increases alertness, perception, and reaction time during stress.
3. Recognize that the parasympathetic nervous system generally promotes 'rest and digest' activities, which slow down the body’s responses and conserve energy.
4. Note that the enteric nervous system controls the gastrointestinal system and is not directly involved in perception or reaction time changes related to stress.
5. Understand that the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and sensory information but does not regulate the automatic increase in perception and reaction time during stress, which is managed by the sympathetic nervous system.