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Parasympathetic Nervous System

The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) are the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system. The PNS controls homeostasis and the "rest and digest" functions, slowing the heart and increasing digestion. The SNS prepares the body for "fight or flight" through responses like increased heart rate and dilated pupils. Together they work to maintain equilibrium in the body.

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178 views6 pages

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) are the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system. The PNS controls homeostasis and the "rest and digest" functions, slowing the heart and increasing digestion. The SNS prepares the body for "fight or flight" through responses like increased heart rate and dilated pupils. Together they work to maintain equilibrium in the body.

Uploaded by

AdeelBaig
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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PHYSIOLOGY-II

Parasympathetic Nervous System:

The parasympathetic nervous system is one of three divisions of the


autonomic nervous system. Sometimes called the rest and digest
system, the parasympathetic system conserves energy as it slows
the heart rate, increases intestinal and gland activity, and relaxes
sphincter muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.

OR

The parasympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic


nervous system. It originates in the spinal cord and the medulla and
controls homeostasis, or the maintenance of the body's systems.
The parasympathetic nervous system controls the "rest and digest"
functions of the body.

Sympathetic Nervous System:

Sympathetic nervous system is the part of the autonomic nervous


system that contains chiefly adrenergic fibers and tends to depress
secretion, decrease the tone and contractility of smooth muscle, and
increase heart rate compare parasympathetic nervous system.
OR
The sympathetic nervous system, also part of the autonomic
nervous system, originates in the spinal cord; specifically in the
thoracic and lumbar regions. It controls the body's "fight or flight"
responses, or how the body reacts to perceived danger.
Parasympathetic Nervous Sympathetic Nervous
System System
The parasympathetic nervous The sympathetic nervous
system (PNS) controls system prepares the body
homeostasis and the body at for intense physical activity
rest and is responsible for the and is often referred to as
body's "rest and digest" the fight-or-flight response.
The parasympathetic
function.
The sympathetic nervous nervous system has almost
system (SNS) controls the the exact opposite effect
body's responses to a and relaxes the body.
Sympathetic nervous system
perceived threat and is
responsible for the "fight or Inhibits or slows many high

flight" response. energy functions.


The PNS and SNS are part of
the ANS, or autonomic nervous
system which is responsible for
the involuntary functions of the
human body.
Example Example
Body functions stimulated by For example, the
the parasympathetic nervous sympathetic nervous
system (PSNS) include system can accelerate
sexual arousal, salivation, heart rate, widen
lacrimation, urination, bronchial passages,
digestion, and defecation. decrease motility of the
The PSNS primarily uses large intestine, constrict
acetylcholine as its blood vessels, increase
neurotransmitter. Peptides peristalsis in the
(such as cholecystokinin) esophagus, cause
may also act on the PSNS as pupillary dilation,
neurotransmitters. piloerection (goose
bumps) and perspiration
(sweating), and raise
blood pressure.

Comparison Chart

Parasympathetic nervous system versus Sympathetic nervous


system comparison chart
Parasympathetic nervous Sympathetic nervous
system system
The sympathetic
The parasympathetic nervous
nervous system (SNS) is
system is one of the two
one of two main
main divisions of the
divisions of the
autonomic nervous system
Introduction autonomic nervous
(ANS). Its general function is
system (ANS). Its
to control homeostasis and
general action is to
the body's rest-and-digest
mobilize the body's
response.
fight-or-flight response.
Control the body's
Control the body's response
Function response during
while at rest.
perceived threat.
Sacral region of spinal cord,
Thoracic and lumbar
Originates in medulla, cranial nerves 3, 7,
regions of spinal cord
9, and 10
Activates Rest and digest Fight-or-flight
Parasympathetic nervous system versus Sympathetic nervous
system comparison chart
Parasympathetic nervous Sympathetic nervous
system system
response of
Neuron Longer pathways, slower Very short neurons,
Pathways system faster system
Body speeds up, tenses
General Body Counterbalance; restores up, becomes more alert.
Response body to state of calm. Functions not critical to
survival shut down.
Cardiovascul
Increases contraction,
ar System Decreases heart rate
heart rate
(heart rate)
Pulmonary
System Bronchial tubes constrict Bronchial tubes dilate
(lungs)
Musculoskele
Muscles relax Muscles contract
tal System
Pupils Constrict Dilate
Decreases stomach
Gastrointesti Increases stomach movement
movement and
nal System and secretions
secretions
Salivary Saliva production
Saliva production increases
Glands decreases
Adrenal
No involvement Releases adrenaline
Gland
Glycogen to Increases; converts
Glucose No involvement glycogen to glucose for
Conversion muscle energy
Urinary Decrease in urinary
Increase in urinary output
Response output

Sympathetic VS Parasympathetic Responses


With sympathetic nervous responses, the body speeds up, tenses up
and becomes more alert. Functions that are not essential for survival
are shut down. Following are the specific reactions of sympathetic
nervous system:

increase in the rate and constriction of the heart

dilation of bronchial tubes in the lungs and pupils in the eyes

contraction of muscles

release of adrenaline from the adrenal gland

conversion of glycogen to glucose to provide energy for the


muscles.

shut down of processes not critical for survival

decrease in saliva production: the stomach does not move for


digestion, nor does it release digestive secretions.

decrease in urinary output

sphincter contraction.

The parasympathetic nervous system counterbalances the


sympathetic nervous system. It restores the body to a state of calm.
The specific responses are:

decrease in heart rate

constriction of bronchial tubes in the lungs and pupils in the


eyes
relaxation of muscles

saliva production: the stomach moves and increases secretions


for digestion.

increase in urinary output

sphincter relaxation.

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