What does the sympathetic nervous system generally do?

The sympathetic nervous system is primarily responsible for preparing the body for a "fight or flight" response during stressful situations. When activated, it increases bodily activities such as heart rate, blood pressure, and the flow of blood to the muscles, enabling a quick response to perceived threats. This activation promotes alertness and enhances physiological capabilities to either confront or escape danger.

In contrast, the options involving maintaining or decreasing bodily activities relate more closely to the parasympathetic nervous system, which works to calm the body and conserve energy after a stressful situation. Regulating hormone levels is a function associated with various systems in the body, including the endocrine system, and is not exclusive to the actions of the sympathetic nervous system. Thus, the correct choice accurately reflects the primary role of the sympathetic nervous system in increasing physical and physiological activities during stress.