Final answer:
The sympathetic nervous system is activated by stress to prepare the body for a "fight or flight" response, while the parasympathetic nervous system helps the body to return to normalcy after stress, promoting a "rest and digest" state.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we encounter a stressor, the sympathetic nervous system accelerates the automatic processes in our body. After the stressor is over, the parasympathetic nervous system returns us to normal functioning. The correct answer is d. sympathetic; parasympathetic.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response during stressful situations. It activates a series of changes in the body, such as increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and releasing adrenaline. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system is essential for the "rest and digest" state, which helps the body conserve energy and restore balance after a sympathetic response by slowing down the heart rate, decreasing blood pressure, and stimulating digestion.