Question

When we're escaping from danger, like a fire, our ______ nervous system is active. When we are digesting food, our_________ nervous system is active.

a) Sympathetic; parasympathetic
b) Parasympathetic; sympathetic
c) Autonomic; somatic
d) Somatic; autonomic

Answer 1

In a situation of danger, the sympathetic nervous system is active with a "fight or flight" response. In contrast, during digestion, the parasympathetic nervous system is active, supporting a state of rest and digestion.

Step-by-step explanation:

When escaping from danger, such as a fire, our sympathetic nervous system is active. This system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response that prepares the body to confront or flee from immediate threats. Examples of this include an accelerated heart rate and inhibited digestion. On the other hand, when we are digesting food, our parasympathetic nervous system is active. This system promotes the "rest and digest" state, allowing the body to focus on routine, non-emergency processes like digestion.