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