Question

You are watching a horror movie and you notice your heart is beating fast and your mouth is dry. It is because of-
a. Flight and fight hormone
b. Autonomic nervous system
c. Sympathetic nervous system
d. Both A and C

Answer 1

A component of the nervous system regulates the rapid involuntary action of the body to dangerous or stressful circumstances. A flash flood of hormones increases the alertness and heart rate of the body, giving the muscles extra blood.

Complete answer:

Option A is incorrect. Adrenaline is a hormone secreted during elevated stress or exciting conditions by the adrenal glands. This strong hormone is part of the acute stress response system of the human body, also called the response to fight or flight. It works by stimulating the heart rate, blood vessels contracting, and air passages dilating, both of which work to increase the supply of blood to the muscles and oxygen to the lungs. Additionally, for certain potentially life-threatening situations, including anaphylactic shock, it is used as a medical treatment.

Option B is incorrect. The autonomic nervous system, such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal, is a control system that operates primarily unconsciously and controls body functions. It comprises three classes that are anatomically distinct: sympathetic, parasympathetic and enteric.

Option C is incorrect. Due to the significant release of hormones, the body's sympathetic nervous system is triggered in response to acute stress. Sympathetic nervous systems activate the adrenal glands, causing catecholamines, including adrenaline and noradrenaline, to be released.

Option D is correct. Sudden heartbeat and dry mouth are triggered by adrenaline secretion. In response to stress conditions in the body or when the body's homeostasis is interrupted, it is secreted from the adrenal medulla. It behaves as a neurotransmitter and activates the body's sympathetic nervous system to cause battle or flight responses. This enhances alertness, pulse and cardiac contraction strength.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: The sympathetic nervous system increases its function in heart failure conditions, leading to increased muscle contraction power, which in turn increases the volume of the stroke, as well as peripheral vasoconstriction to maintain blood pressure. These results, however, increase the progression of the disease, ultimately increasing the mortality rate for heart failure.