Which part of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for activating the fight-flight-freeze response?

The sympathetic nervous system plays a crucial role in activating the fight-flight-freeze response, which is the body's immediate reaction to perceived threats or danger. When a person encounters a stressful situation, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to several physiological changes designed to prepare the body for rapid action. This includes increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and enhanced blood flow to muscles, all of which help an individual either confront the threat or escape from it.

In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system functions to promote relaxation and recovery after a stressful event, counteracting the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for calming the body and conserving energy. The cognitive nervous system is not a recognized component of the autonomic nervous system in standard psychological terminology and tends to be confused with aspects of cognitive processes rather than physical responses. The somatic nervous system, on the other hand, mainly controls voluntary movements of skeletal muscles and is not directly involved in the automatic responses to stress.

Thus, the sympathetic nervous system is specifically tasked with initiating and managing the body's fight-flight-freeze response, making it the correct answer for this question.