Question

The initial increase in heart and breathing rates during the skin diving trip was probably a result of: a. activation of the sympathetic autonomic nervous system by the new experience. b. activation of the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system by the new experience. c. hypoxia caused by the inability of her blood hemoglobin concentration to supply sufficient oxygen for the strenuous exercise of swimming at sea level. d. elevated core body temperature caused by swimming in warm tropical waters.

Answer 1

Answer:

a. activation of the sympathetic autonomic nervous system by the new experience.

Explanation:

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system generates a flight or fight response. This is a series of physiological processes that start when a person has any stress, new experience or emergency conditions such as the first diving trip. One such response produced by activated sympathetic division is increased heart rate to pump more blood and deliver more oxygen to body cells and tissues. Also, the person experiences an increased breathing rate to compensate for the increased oxygen demand.