Arousal System
Definition
The arousal system refers to physiological responses that prepare us for action or alertness, often in response to stimuli such as stress or excitement.
Analogy
Imagine you're driving a car. The arousal system is like pressing down on the gas pedal – it revs up your engine (body), increasing heart rate, respiration, and preparing you for action.
Related terms
Fight-or-Flight Response: This is an automatic physiological reaction to stressful situations where we feel threatened or anxious. Like slamming on your car brakes when someone suddenly cuts you off in traffic.
Sympathetic Nervous System: Part of our nervous system that prepares our bodies for action during stressful situations. It's like the car’s engine control unit, regulating how much gas to give the engine based on current needs.
Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. Like a car’s thermostat keeping the engine at an optimal temperature.
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