Just as Khalif approaches the podium to give his speech, he realizes that his heart is racing, his mouth is dry, his breathing is faster, and his mind is completely blank. The division of Khalif's nervous system that has just been activated is the _____ division.

• A. parasympathetic
• B. sympathetic
• C. central
• D. somatic

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: Khalif is experiencing a stress response as he approaches the podium to give a speech. This is a common scenario where the body's 'fight or flight' response is activated.
2. Identify the symptoms: Khalif's symptoms include a racing heart, dry mouth, faster breathing, and a blank mind. These are physiological responses to stress.
3. Recall the functions of the nervous system divisions: The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, which prepares the body to react to stress or danger.
4. Differentiate between the divisions: The parasympathetic division is responsible for 'rest and digest' activities, the central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, and the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements.
5. Conclude which division is activated: Given the symptoms and the context, the sympathetic division is the one that has been activated in Khalif's situation.