The stress response system (SRS) is composed of which systems?

The stress response system (SRS) primarily consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which are subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic system is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, activating physiological changes in the body to prepare for action during stressful situations. This includes increasing heart rate, redirecting blood flow to muscles, and releasing stress hormones like adrenaline. The parasympathetic system, on the other hand, promotes a 'rest and digest' state, helping the body to recover and maintain homeostasis after the stress response has been activated.

Understanding the function of these two systems is essential for recognizing how the body reacts to stress and manages recovery. The interplay between them creates a balance, with the sympathetic system addressing immediate threats and the parasympathetic system aiding in calming the body afterward.

The other options focus on different aspects of biological and psychological processes rather than the physiological systems involved in the stress response. Choices related to cognitive or emotional systems pertain more to mental processing and responses rather than the physiological mechanisms at play.