Which of the following exhibits increased activity as a response to stress?

• A. The sympathetic nervous system
• B. The digestive system
• C. The immune system's anti-inflammatory response
• D. The parasympathetic nervous system

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the body's response to stress. It is part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, which activates during stressful situations.
2. Recognize that the digestive system typically decreases activity during stress because the body prioritizes resources for immediate survival rather than digestion.
3. Know that the immune system's anti-inflammatory response generally decreases during acute stress, as stress can suppress certain immune functions, although chronic stress may have different effects.
4. Identify that the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for 'rest and digest' activities and usually decreases its activity during stress to allow the sympathetic nervous system to dominate.
5. Conclude that the system exhibiting increased activity in response to stress is the sympathetic nervous system, as it prepares the body to respond to perceived threats.