Final answer:
Ashley is experiencing the physiological arousal component of emotion due to the activation of her sympathetic nervous system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ashley is experiencing the physiological arousal component of emotion due to the activation of her sympathetic nervous system. This component involves changes in bodily functions such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, dry mouth, and perspiration. When she hears the shrill noise, thinking it could be a danger, her body reacts with increased heart rate and blood pressure, tensing muscles, perspiration, and drying of the mouth, all of which are signatures of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
The activation of the sympathetic nervous system is a part of the fight-or-flight response. This response occurs when the body perceives a threat or danger. In Ashley's case, the strange shrill noise she heard triggered her sympathetic nervous system, leading to the physiological changes she experienced.