The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for a “fight or flight” response during any potential threat. The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, counteracts hyperactivity and returns the body to a calm and relaxed state.
The sympathetic and non-sympathetic nervous systems are distinguished according to the body’s response to environmental stimuli.
What is Sympathetic?
It is part of the autonomic nervous system, which prepares the body for stressful situations, located near the lumbar spine and thorax. Small amounts of sympathetic nerves can control vital body functions by stimulating the body to respond to fight or flight.
It recognizes a threat or attack to the survivor and responds as a physiological response. Some examples monitor breathing, heart rate and eye response.
What is Parasympathetic?
There is a variety of the autonomic nervous system also known as the resting digestive system. It conserves energy when the body is resting, eating or relaxing.
Located between the spinal cord and marrow it slows the heart rate, increases the spleen and intestinal function in the gastrointestinal tract.
The functions of the parasympathetic nervous system are essential for the overall functioning of the body, as it is important to restore the body’s nervous system to optimal performance.
Difference Between Sympathetic And Parasympathetic
| Character | Sympathetic | Parasympathetic |
| Introduction | The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is one of the main divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). | The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is another main division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). |
| Function | The primary function is to stimulate a fight-to-fight response. | The primary function is to control the body’s feed and breed and then rest and digest response. |
| Activates | It helps in activating the response of fight-or-fight. | It helps in activating the response of rest-an-digest. |
| Salivary Glands | It decreases saliva production. | It increases saliva production. |
| Urinary Response | It helps in decreasing urinary output. | It helps in increasing urinary output. |
| Heartbeat | It increases the heartbeat. | It decreases the heartbeat. |
| Glucose Level | It helps in increasing the glycogen to glucose conversion for the energy required by muscles. | There is no involvement by the parasympathetic nervous system. |
| Pupil | It helps in making pupil delight | It helps in making a pupil contract. |
| Pulmonary System | In this the bronchial tube delight. | In this the bronchial tube contract. |
| Muscle Cells | It increases the stress on muscles. | It decreases stress and relaxes the muscles. |
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