Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems
In the lecture, we covered the peripheral nervous system, including the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. Many of us experience anxiety at some point in our lives (e.g., while delivering a speech or a class report).
In a brief report (500 words or less), please do the following:
Using the lecture and textbook, describe both the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
Recall any past experience of anxiety (or make one up!) and connect your experience with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. For example, you may consider the following in your write-up:
What prompted the anxiety?
How did you feel during and after feeling anxious?
How might you map this onto sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system functioning?
Student made some attempt to complete the SWA, but their responses "missed the mark." Overall, their responses did not reflect critical thinking and the student did not perform within expectation.
Neuroscience Assignment
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Neuroscience Assignment
Description of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems
Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are two crucial autonomic nervous system mechanisms (Weissman & Mendes, 2021). They help ensure human bodies sustain homeostasis and react suitably depending on the existing circumstances. Specifically, the sympathetic nervous system can also be identified as a ‘flight’ or ‘fight’ reaction system. When active due to stress, perceived risk, or any undesirable event, it prepares an individual’s body for sudden action. The activation causes physiological changes like rapid breathing, stress hormone generation, and boosted heart rate. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system can also be recognized as the ‘rest and digest’ response system. It functions during recovery and relaxation moments – this restores and conserves energy. When it is active, it neutralizes the sympathetic system’s effects by decreasing the heart rate, enabling nutrient absorption and food digestion.
Past Anxiety Experience
A year ago, I encountered a situation that triggered anxiety. I was required to deliver an important presentation at a community function in front of a large audience. The anxiety of performing better, concern for my voice, and the situation’s relevance were my anxiety’s critical triggers. This is a typical situation that most people can understand, where public speaking can be stressful.
The Feeling during and after the Anxiety
I had emotional and physical feelings during the presentation. Most importantly, I started sweating as my breathing paced. M...