A person with a fear of heights drives across a high bridge. Which structure will stimulate a response from the autonomic nervous system?

A) Thalamus
B) Parietal lobe
C) Hypothalamus
D) Pituitary gland

The individual will find this experience stressful. The hypothalamus functions as the command-and-control center when receiving stressful signals. The hypothalamus responds to signals of stress by engaging the autonomic nervous system. The parietal lobe is responsible for interpretation of other sensations. The thalamus processes messages associated with pain and wakefulness. The pituitary gland may be involved in other aspects of the person's response but would not stimulate the autonomic nervous system.