Final answer:
The statement is false. The parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for allowing the body to rest and digest, not stimulating the body in times of stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system stimulates the body in times of stress is false. The parasympathetic branch is responsible for allowing the body to rest and digest, while the sympathetic branch is activated in stressful situations.
For example, the parasympathetic branch slows down the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and stimulates digestion. On the other hand, the sympathetic branch speeds up the heart rate widens air passages, and temporarily shuts down the digestive system.