Which of the following is NOT a component of the physiological response to anxiety?

The correct answer is heightened immunity, as it is not typically considered a component of the physiological response to anxiety. When an individual experiences anxiety, the body's fight-or-flight response is activated, leading to several physiological changes aimed at helping the person respond to perceived threats. These changes include increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, and muscle tension, which prepare the body for action.

Increased heart rate ensures that more blood and oxygen are pumped to vital organs and muscles, facilitating quick reactions. Difficulty breathing can occur as a symptom of anxiety, often due to hyperventilation or the body’s preparatory response. Muscle tension arises as a mechanism to brace for potential physical challenges or threats.

In contrast, heightened immunity tends to be more associated with long-term stress responses rather than immediate anxiety reactions. Chronic anxiety or stress can lead to a suppression of the immune system over time, making the body less effective at fighting off illnesses. Thus, heightened immunity does not align with the typical acute physiological response one would expect during an anxious episode.