Which of the following is a physiological change associated with SNS activation?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a physiological change associated with SNS activation?

When the sympathetic nervous system kicks in, the body shifts blood flow and energy toward systems needed for quick action. A primary physiological change is vasoconstriction: nerves release norepinephrine that binds to alpha-adrenergic receptors on vascular smooth muscle, causing those vessels to constrict. This raises systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure, and redirects blood toward the heart and skeletal muscles while reducing flow to nonessential areas. This redistribution is a classic part of the fight-or-flight response. Nervous tremor can occur with heightened sympathetic activity, but it’s a secondary manifestation rather than a defining systemic change. Heightened color perception and increased appetite aren’t typical, direct effects of SNS activation—the former isn’t a standard SNS outcome, and the latter is more aligned with parasympathetic or metabolic regulation opposing the immediate SNS response.

When the sympathetic nervous system kicks in, the body shifts blood flow and energy toward systems needed for quick action. A primary physiological change is vasoconstriction: nerves release norepinephrine that binds to alpha-adrenergic receptors on vascular smooth muscle, causing those vessels to constrict. This raises systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure, and redirects blood toward the heart and skeletal muscles while reducing flow to nonessential areas. This redistribution is a classic part of the fight-or-flight response.

Nervous tremor can occur with heightened sympathetic activity, but it’s a secondary manifestation rather than a defining systemic change. Heightened color perception and increased appetite aren’t typical, direct effects of SNS activation—the former isn’t a standard SNS outcome, and the latter is more aligned with parasympathetic or metabolic regulation opposing the immediate SNS response.

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