Malcolm Is Studying Alone in His Room Late at Night

Multiple Choice

Malcolm 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 is responsible for returning Malcolm to a normal state?

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