The Question is from neet-zoology neural-control-and-coordination , and it was created by the author Mr. BALACHANDRA.N

Question

During a stressful situation, a person experiences increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and dilated pupils. Which neurotransmitter is PRIMARILY responsible for mediating these physiological responses?

Mr. BALACHANDRA.N · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: The role of neurotransmitters in the sympathetic nervous system's response to stress.
 **Related Topics**: Sympathetic nervous system activation, fight-or-flight response, physiological effects of stress, neurotransmitter function.
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of the nervous system, neurotransmitters, and the sympathetic nervous system.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  Increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and dilated pupils are observed during a stressful situation.
  These are classic signs of sympathetic nervous system activation.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify the neurotransmitter primarily associated with the sympathetic nervous system's response to stress.
  Reasoning: The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's 'fight-or-flight' response, preparing it for action in stressful situations. This involves increasing heart rate, breathing rate, and pupil dilation to enhance alertness and physical preparedness.
  Formula/Rule:  There isn't a specific formula, but understanding the roles of different neurotransmitters is crucial.
 2. Analyze the roles of the given neurotransmitters.
  Working: 
            * Acetylcholine is associated with the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), which opposes the sympathetic nervous system's effects.
            * Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, and movement, but not directly in the immediate physiological stress response.
            * Serotonin plays a role in mood regulation and sleep, but is not the primary mediator of the acute physiological responses to stress.
            * Norepinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system and plays a crucial role in mediating the 'fight-or-flight' response, causing the observed physiological changes.
  Key Point: While other neurotransmitters might play supporting roles, norepinephrine is the dominant neurotransmitter responsible for the immediate physiological effects of stress.
 3. Determine the correct answer.
  Result: Norepinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter responsible for the physiological responses described.
  Verification: The observed symptoms (increased heart rate, rapid breathing, dilated pupils) are all consistent with norepinephrine's effects on the body during stress.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Acetylcholine is associated with the parasympathetic nervous system, which has opposite effects to those described.
B :x: Dopamine is primarily involved in reward pathways and movement, not the acute stress response.
C :x: Serotonin is primarily involved in mood regulation and sleep.
D ✓: Norepinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter of the sympathetic nervous system and directly mediates the physiological responses to stress, such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and dilated pupils.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the roles of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems: Remember that the sympathetic system is 'fight-or-flight', while the parasympathetic system is 'rest and digest'.
  2.Overlooking the primary role of norepinephrine in the stress response:  While other neurotransmitters are involved, norepinephrine is the key player in the immediate physiological effects.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Associate norepinephrine with the sympathetic nervous system and its effects on the body during stress.
  2.Remember that the physiological responses described are hallmarks of the 'fight-or-flight' response mediated by norepinephrine.

Mr. BALACHANDRA.N · Answer

Acetylcholine

Mr. BALACHANDRA.N · Answer

Dopamine

Mr. BALACHANDRA.N · Answer

Serotonin

Mr. BALACHANDRA.N · Answer

The correct Option is "Norepinephrine"

NEET Zoology Neural Control And Coordination MCQs

Select Topic

Question Tags

NEET Subjects

Our Bots

Company