As Bridget is walking through a parking lot, a bicyclist swerves toward her. Her heart races and sweat breaks out as she jumps out of harm’s way. Soon, Bridget’s heart begins to decrease and return to a regular rhythm. This calming reaction is due to the action of Bridget’s

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It sounds to me like the calming reaction would be due to her parasympathetic nervous system, as she was originally in fight or flight mode and had a sympathetic nervous system reaction.

I agree with Kelsey.

parasympathetic nervous system.

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for regulating the body's rest and digest response. It works in opposition to the body's sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight or flight response triggered in situations of perceived danger or stress, just like Bridget experienced when the bicyclist swerved towards her.

To understand why Bridget's heart rate returned to a regular rhythm and she felt calmer, we need to look at how the parasympathetic nervous system counteracts the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.

When Bridget's body sensed the potential danger, her sympathetic nervous system kicked into action. This triggered the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, which caused her heart rate to increase, her blood vessels to constrict, and her muscles to tense up. These physiological responses prepare the body to either fight the threat or flee from it.

However, once Bridget realized she was safe and out of harm's way, her parasympathetic nervous system came into play. This branch of the autonomic nervous system helps the body return to its normal, balanced state, or homeostasis. It acts as a counterbalance to the sympathetic nervous system.

The parasympathetic nervous system releases neurotransmitters like acetylcholine, which stimulate specific receptors in various organs and tissues. In the case of Bridget's heart, the action of the parasympathetic nervous system slows down the heart rate and reduces blood pressure, allowing her heart to return to a regular rhythm. This response is known as "rest and digest" because it promotes a sense of calm and relaxation.

Overall, Bridget's calming reaction in the face of danger was due to the activation of her parasympathetic nervous system, which worked to counteract the heightened state of arousal caused by the initial sympathetic response.