What is the relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system?
|
The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) controls homeostasis and the body at rest and is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" function. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) controls the body's responses to a perceived threat and is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. Show
The PNS and SNS are part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is responsible for the involuntary functions of the human body. Comparison chartParasympathetic nervous system versus Sympathetic nervous system comparison chart
The Autonomic Nervous SystemThe autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates visceral functions, i.e. functions of the internal organs such as the heart, stomach and intestines. The ANS is part of the peripheral nervous system and also has control over some muscles within the body. The functions of the ANS are involuntary and reflexive, e.g. the beating of the heart, expansion or contraction of blood vessels or pupils, etc. — which is why we are seldom conscious of it. The parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, along with the enteric nervous system make up the ANS. What is the parasympathetic nervous system?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. What is the sympathetic nervous system?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. Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic ResponsesWith 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:
The parasympathetic nervous system counterbalances the sympathetic nervous system. It restores the body to a state of calm. The specific responses are:
A diagram of parasympathetic and sympathetic effects. Click to enlarge. How it WorksThe parasympathetic nervous system is a slower system and moves along longer pathways. Preganglionic fibers from the medulla or spinal cord project ganglia close to the target organ. They create a synapse, which eventually creates the desired response. The sympathetic nervous system is a faster system as it moves along very short neurons. When the system is activated, it activates the adrenal medulla to release hormones and chemical receptors into the bloodstreams. The target glands and muscles get activated. Once the perceived danger is gone, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over to counterbalance the effects of the sympathetic nervous system's responses. References
Share this comparison: If you read this far, you should follow us: "Parasympathetic vs Sympathetic Nervous System." Diffen.com. Diffen LLC, n.d. Web. 6 Sep 2022. < > What is the relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system?The parasympathetic part of your autonomic nervous system balances your sympathetic nervous system. While your sympathetic nervous system controls your body's “fight or flight” response, your parasympathetic nervous system helps to control your body's response during times of rest.
What is the relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems quizlet?The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) controls homeostasis and the body at rest and is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" function. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) controls the body's responses to a perceived threat and is responsible for the "fight or flight" response.
How the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system work together?The sympathetic division initiates the fight-or-flight response and the parasympathetic initiates the rest-and-digest or feed-and-breed responses. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are important for modulating many vital functions, including respiration and cardiac contractility.
What are the similarities and differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?Comparison chart. |
