Which term describes the physiological responses such as increased heart rate, sweating, dry mouth, and faster breathing during stress?

• A. Stress response
• B. Anxiety
• C. Distress
• D. Eustress

Answer: (A)

When the body faces a stressor, it triggers a rapid set of physiological changes known as the stress response. These signs—increased heart rate, sweating, dry mouth, and faster breathing—are classic results of the sympathetic nervous system kicking in and releasing adrenaline, prepping the body to act. This is the body’s automatic, physical reaction to stress, often described as the fight-or-flight response.

Anxiety describes a felt emotional state of worry or fear, not the immediate bodily changes themselves. Distress refers to negative or harmful stress, which is a type of stress experience rather than the specific physiological reactions. Eustress is positive, motivating stress, again describing the nature of the stress rather than the body's quick physical responses.