Essay type question:

Explain in your own words why the nervous system is important in carrying out any physical activity. Develop two (2) points and use examples. No less than 70 words.

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems usually do opposite things in the body. The sympathetic nervous system prepares your body for physical and mental activity. It makes your heart beat faster and stronger, opens your airways so you can breathe more easily, and inhibits digestion.

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body for physical activity by increasing heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. ... During exercise, the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine stimulate receptors in the heart which causes heart rate to increase.