Which term describes the balance between the autonomic nervous system divisions under stress?

Which term describes the balance between the autonomic nervous system divisions under stress?

• A. Homeostasis
• B. Heterostasis
• C. Allostasis
• D. Sympathostasis

Answer: (A)

Adaptive regulation under stress is described by allostasis. When a person faces a challenge, the autonomic nervous system shifts its balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, coordinating with endocrine and metabolic responses to meet the new demands. Allostasis captures this dynamic process: stability achieved through change, with set points and responses adjusted to context rather than held constant. Homeostasis is about keeping internal conditions around fixed values, which isn’t how the body responds under stress, since it temporarily changes heart rate, blood pressure, glucose availability, and digestive activity to cope. The other terms aren’t standard descriptors for this autonomic balancing in stressful situations, making allostasis the most accurate concept here.

Adaptive regulation under stress is described by allostasis. When a person faces a challenge, the autonomic nervous system shifts its balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, coordinating with endocrine and metabolic responses to meet the new demands. Allostasis captures this dynamic process: stability achieved through change, with set points and responses adjusted to context rather than held constant.

Homeostasis is about keeping internal conditions around fixed values, which isn’t how the body responds under stress, since it temporarily changes heart rate, blood pressure, glucose availability, and digestive activity to cope. The other terms aren’t standard descriptors for this autonomic balancing in stressful situations, making allostasis the most accurate concept here.