Which autonomic system is most likely to be dominant while someone is experiencing stress about an upcoming job interview?

Options for the question have not been given. They are as follows:

a) the peripheral nervous system

b) the sympathetic nervous system

c) the somatic nervous system

d) the parasympathetic nervous system

Answer:

b) the sympathetic nervous system

Explanation:

Autonomic nervous system supplies internal organs like heart, stomach, lungs etc. and involuntary muscles. It is further divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic nervous system is activated during stressful or threatening situation. It is responsible for fight or flight response. Heart rate and blood pressure is increased, blood flow to stomach and intestine is reduced, pupils are dilated and sweating is increased. Hence during a stressful situation like an upcoming job interview sympathetic nervous system is dominant.