Answer: His SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM nervous system was put into action.
Explanation: The sympathetic nervous system is defined as the part of the nervous system that regulates the involuntary activity of the heart, intestines and glands. It is responsible for raising blood pressure and heart rate, constricting blood vessels and dilates the pupils when under stress.
Clearly, in the question, Joe was under stress, so his sympathetic nervous system was called into action.