Sensory Effects on the Sympathetic Nervous System

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?

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Hypothetical Scenario:

Imagine you’re walking alone through a dimly lit alleyway at night. Suddenly, you hear a loud, unexpected noise from behind you. Your heart races, your breathing quickens, and you feel a surge of adrenaline. This is a classic example of the sympathetic nervous system being activated in response to a perceived threat.

Feelings and Changes:

  • Fear and Anxiety: The primary emotion experienced is fear, often accompanied by anxiety.
  • Increased Heart Rate: The heart pumps faster to deliver more oxygen-rich blood to the muscles.
  • Rapid Breathing: Increased breathing rate helps to supply more oxygen to the body.

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  • Muscle Tension: Muscles tense up in preparation for a fight-or-flight response.
  • Pupil Dilation: Pupils dilate to allow more light to enter the eyes and improve vision.
  • Sweating: Increased sweating helps to cool the body and prepare for physical activity.
  • Decreased Digestion: The body prioritizes immediate survival over digestion, so digestion slows down.

Other Possible Changes:

  • Blushing: The blood vessels in the face may dilate, causing blushing.
  • Dry Mouth: Saliva production may decrease due to the body’s focus on other functions.
  • Shaking: The body may tremble or shake due to increased muscle tension.

Lesson Learned:

This experience can lead to a heightened awareness of one’s surroundings and a stronger sense of self-preservation. It may also serve as a reminder of the body’s remarkable ability to respond to stressful situations.

 

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