Which part of the nervous system responds to stressful and emergency conditions?

The sympathetic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that responds to stressful and emergency conditions. It is often referred to as the "fight or flight" system because it prepares the body to respond to perceived threats or emergencies. When activated, the sympathetic nervous system triggers a series of physiological changes, such as an increased heart rate, heightened blood pressure, and the release of adrenaline. These changes help the body mobilize energy and resources to confront or escape danger.

In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for maintaining normal body functions and promoting a state of calm, while the cognitive nervous system is not a recognized term in neurology and does not pertain to stress response. The enteric nervous system primarily manages the gastrointestinal system and is not directly involved in responses to stress. This context helps clarify the unique role of the sympathetic nervous system in handling acute stress situations.