The job of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is to

• A. stabilize emotions such as happiness and sadness.
• B. provide feelings such as empathy and sympathy.
• C. control voluntary muscles.
• D. get the body ready to deal with stress.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is responsible for regulating involuntary body functions such as heartbeat, blood flow, breathing, and digestion.
2. Recognize that the ANS is divided into two main parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
3. Learn that the sympathetic nervous system is often described as the 'fight or flight' system because it prepares the body to respond to stress or emergencies.
4. Identify the physiological changes triggered by the sympathetic nervous system, such as increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and the release of adrenaline, which help the body to deal with stress.
5. Differentiate between the sympathetic nervous system's role in stress response and the parasympathetic nervous system's role in calming the body and conserving energy after the stress has passed.