Hormones of the Stress Response
The autonomic nervous system controls bodily functions which we are largely unaware of and do not consciously control. The part of the autonomic nervous system that is activated during emergencies is the sympathetic nervous system, which speeds up systems needed for survival.The other part of the autonomic nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, plays an opposing role. It mediates passive activities and promotes growth and energy storage. Parts of this system are also called into play during stress to slow down systems not required for survival.