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