Which part of the nervous system controls the body's stress response?

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for controlling the body's stress response, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. When faced with a stressor, this part of the nervous system activates various physiological changes that prepare the body to either confront or flee from the challenge. This includes increasing heart rate, redirecting blood flow to essential muscles, and releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These responses are crucial for survival and help the body react swiftly to threats.

In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system works to calm the body after the stressor has passed, promoting relaxation and recovery. The somatic nervous system primarily manages voluntary movements and the sensory information from the environment, while the central nervous system (which includes the brain and spinal cord) processes information and coordinates responses but does not directly control the body's immediate stress responses.