How does the autonomic nervous system help us in dealing with an emergency situation?

The autonomic nervous system helps us in dealing with an emergency situation with the help of its two divisions namely, Sympathetic division and Parasympathetic division.

(i) Sympathetic division

• During an emergency situation the sympathetic division helps in quick and powerful actions.

• It stops the digestion of food and causes the flow of blood from internal organs to the muscles and also increases the breathing rate, oxygen supply, heart rate and blood sugar level.

(ii) Parasympathetic division

• Parasympathetic division decelerates the sympathetic division after the emergency gets over.

• It brings the heart beat, breathing and blood flow to the normal levels. It also calms down the individual to the normal condition.