Sensory Effects on the Sympathetic Nervous System

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Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:

When activated, the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for fight-or-flight (i.e., emergency) actions by controlling the glands of the endocrine system. Your reading describes the physiological changes to the body that occur when the sympathetic nervous system is activated.

Describe a scenario where you, or someone you know, experienced an activation of the sympathetic nervous system in response to a feared stimulus.

What did it feel like?
What was the feared stimulus?
What changes in your body did you notice?
What other changes could have occurred in your body that you did not notice at the time?
Was there a lesson learned or memory associated with the experience?

Sample Solution

I’ve often experienced the activation of my sympathetic nervous system in stressful situations, particularly during public speaking. The feeling is a mix of adrenaline and anxiety, often accompanied by physical symptoms like increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling.

One vivid memory is from a high school presentation. The feared stimulus was the prospect of speaking in front of my entire class. As I approached the podium, my heart pounded in my chest, my palms became sweaty, and my voice trembled slightly. I felt a surge of energy, but also a sense of unease.

While I was aware of the physical changes I experienced, there were likely other bodily changes that I didn’t notice at the time. For example, my blood pressure may have increased, and my pupils may have dilated.

The experience taught me the importance of managing stress and anxiety. I learned techniques like deep breathing and visualization to help calm my nerves before public speaking. This experience has also helped me develop greater self-confidence and resilience.

 

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