Question

"Jacob has just gotten an interview for a job he really wants. With his excitement, his heartbeat increases, his blood pressure rises, and he begins to perspire. Which nervous system is responsible for these physiological changes?"

Answer 1

Answer: Sympathetic nervous system

Explanation:

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) along with the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) are part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).

The autonomic nervous system acts unconsciously and it controls involuntary functions such as the heart rate, respiratory rate or digestion and to do this it operates through a series of interconnected neurons.

The sympathetic nervous system activates what is known as the "fight or flight" response. For example, it can accelerate heart rate, decrease motility of the large intestine, constrict blood vessels, cause pupillary dilation, and raise blood pressure. This means it prepares the body for intense physical activity.

On the other hand, parasympathetic is referred to as "rest and digest" and it is antagonistic to the parasympathetic nervous system because it produces a calm and relaxed feeling in the mind and body. For example, the PSNS works to slow the heart rate down and lower blood pressure.

The changes experienced by Jacobo are due to the sympathetic nervous system due to the emotion he feels before the job interview, which stimulates him to act and feel ready to carry out the action of going to that interview.