Chapter 24, Problem 7TE

To determine

Main difference between stress neurons and maintenance neurons.

Answer to Problem 7TE

The main difference between the stress neurons and maintenance neurons is that stress neurons are more active in situation of anger while maintenance neurons are active in case of relaxation. Stress neurons are responsible for giving fight-or-flight response and help the body to defend against impending danger but maintenance neurons are not responsible to perform any such function.

Explanation of Solution

Stress neurons become more active in case of anger or fear like situation. It helps the body to defend against the impending danger as;

• Mind becomes alert.
• Air passages in the lungs and nose open to inhale more oxygen.
• Oxygenated blood spreads faster throughout the body as heart beat increase.
• Less essential body activities are stopped temporarily.

But maintenance neuron are more active in case of relaxation like enjoying a movie etc. Active status of maintenance neurons can be characterized by the following features;

• Secretion of digestive juices
• Heart beat at minimal rate
• Pupils constrict to sharpen vision. etc.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the main difference between the stress neurons and the maintenance neurons is that the former is more active in situation of fear or anger while latter is more active in case of relaxation.