The Autonomic Nervous System

The Autonomic Nervous System

Multiple Choice

The SYMPATHETIC division of the autonomic nervous system

• arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations.

• calms the body, conserving its energy.

Multiple Choice

The PARASYMPATHETIC division of the autonomic nervous system

• arouses the body, mobilizing its energy in stressful situations.

• calms the body, conserving its energy.

Sympathetic - Stress, Scared

Parasympathetic - Peace

Multiple Select

Which of these are part of the SYMPATHETIC nervous response?

• acceleration of heart rate

• stimulation of digestion

• release of glucose

• dilation of pupils

• constriction of bronchioles (airways in the lungs)

Can you intentionally activate

your parasympathetic nervous system

to relax/calm yourself?

Touch your lips

because parasympathetic nerves are spread throughout your lips, so this stimulates the parasympathetic response.

Do a minute of deep breathing:

when you inhale, fill your lungs fully, hold for a couple seconds, and then

exhale in a relaxed way.

Deep-breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which controls the parasympathetic response.

Splash cold water

or put an ice pack

on your face.

Cold exposure has also been shown to activate the vagus nerve.