Which statement accurately describes a body change when stress is induced?

Which statement accurately describes a body change when stress is induced?

• A. Pupils constrict and saliva production increases.
• B. Heart rate decreases and digestion increases.
• C. It constricts blood vessels in the skin and internal organs, leading to cool skin, decreased digestion, and decreased urine production.
• D. The body becomes completely relaxed.

Answer: (C)

When stress is induced, the body’s sympathetic nervous system drives the fight-or-flight response. This causes blood vessels in the skin and many internal organs to constrict, redirecting blood toward the muscles and vital organs. The result is cooler skin, slower digestion, and reduced urine production as resources are prioritized for immediate physical readiness. In contrast, stress would typically involve pupil dilation and reduced saliva (not constriction with increased saliva), an increased heart rate (not a decrease), and not a completely relaxed state. The pattern of vasoconstriction with cooler skin and suppression of digestion and urine production best matches the stress response.

When stress is induced, the body’s sympathetic nervous system drives the fight-or-flight response. This causes blood vessels in the skin and many internal organs to constrict, redirecting blood toward the muscles and vital organs. The result is cooler skin, slower digestion, and reduced urine production as resources are prioritized for immediate physical readiness. In contrast, stress would typically involve pupil dilation and reduced saliva (not constriction with increased saliva), an increased heart rate (not a decrease), and not a completely relaxed state. The pattern of vasoconstriction with cooler skin and suppression of digestion and urine production best matches the stress response.