A young man happens to spot an ex-girlfriend he’s trying to avoid. Why does his mouth
become dry?
Where could I find information on the question?
Does this mean his sympathetic nervous system overrides the parasympathetic stimulation for
saliva production?
To understand why a person's mouth becomes dry when they spot an ex-girlfriend they are trying to avoid, we can explore the human body's physiological response to stress and anxiety.
When confronted with a stressful situation, such as encountering an ex-partner that one is trying to avoid, the body's sympathetic nervous system kicks into gear. This system triggers the release of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which prepares the body for a "fight-or-flight" response.
One of the effects of this stress response is the decrease in saliva production. The body redirects blood flow away from non-essential functions, including saliva production, in order to prioritize functions that are crucial for survival in a high-stress situation. This decrease in saliva can lead to a dry mouth sensation.
If you're looking for more information on this topic, you could start by referring to reputable sources such as medical websites, psychology journals, or books that discuss the physiological effects of stress. Websites like Mayo Clinic, WebMD, or articles from professional publications like Psychology Today can provide valuable insights into the topic. Additionally, academic databases like Google Scholar or PubMed can also provide research papers and studies on the physiological responses to stress and anxiety. By exploring these sources, you can gain a deeper understanding of why stress can cause a dry mouth.