Eli Is Studying Alone in His Room Late at Night

Multiple Choice

Eli is studying alone in his room late at night when he hears a loud noise downstairs. His heartbeat increases significantly and his breathing becomes shallow. He wonders if a burglar has entered the house and decides to investigate. When he gets downstairs, he discovers his cat has knocked over a plant stand. His body begins to relax and return to normal. Which part of his nervous system was responsible for putting Eli's body on "high alert" when he did not know the source of the sound?

A) spinal cord
B) somatic nervous system
C) sympathetic nervous system
D) parasympathetic nervous system