Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam Practice 2025 – Comprehensive Prep

The primary role of the sympathetic nervous system is to activate the body during emergencies, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. This system prepares the body to respond rapidly to perceived threats by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, redirecting blood flow to major muscle groups, and releasing energy stores. These physiological changes enable a swift and effective response to stressful situations, ensuring survival.

Rest and digest functions are regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for conserving energy and promoting routine maintenance activities when the body is in a calm state. The regulation of bodily functions unconsciously refers more broadly to both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The control of voluntary movements is primarily associated with the somatic nervous system, which is responsible for controlling skeletal muscles. Understanding these distinctions further clarifies the specific role of the sympathetic nervous system in emergency scenarios.