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Home > News & Articles > Difference Between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System: ANS, Functions, How do they Work, and Sample Questions
Updated on 09th February, 2023 , 6 min read
The autonomic nervous system includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The autonomic nervous system is a regulatory mechanism that controls internal organ function by feeding smooth muscles and glands. Cardiovascular, respiratory, and vasomotor regulation, as well as reflex responses like vomiting, coughing, sneezing, and swallowing, are examples of these tasks.
Reflex activities from the brainstem to the organs and spinal cord govern the autonomic nervous system. These tasks include heart control, respiratory control, and vasomotor control, as well as reflex behaviors such as vomiting, coughing, sneezing, and swallowing.
The autonomic nervous system is separated into two parts, which are as follows-
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is one of the autonomic nervous system's main divisions, playing the principal role in the fight-or-flight response. It is classified as a parasympathetic nervous system antagonist. It's close to the lumbar and thoracic areas. It is discovered in the spinal cord. The sympathetic nervous system regulates the heart rate, breathing system, and pupil response.
The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is another antagonistic group of autonomic nervous system nerves. It largely controls visceral organs. While controlling numerous tissues, the parasympathetic nervous system never attempts to manage the maintenance of life. This system's nerves aid in relaxing, digesting, and lowering the heart rate. These nerves are also referred to as cranial nerves.
The parasympathetic nervous system works more slowly and along longer paths. Preganglionic fibers from the medulla or spinal cord direct the projection of ganglia to the target organ. They form a synapse, which leads to the desired reaction.
Because it flows through extremely short neurons, the sympathetic nervous system is a quicker mechanism. When the system is triggered, the adrenal medulla is stimulated, causing hormones and chemical receptors to be released into the circulation. The targeted glands and muscles are stimulated. When the perceived threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over to balance the consequences of the sympathetic nervous system's reactions.
The following are the detailed differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems-
|
Parameters |
Sympathetic Nervous System |
Parasympathetic |
|
Definitions |
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is one of the autonomic nervous system's major divisions (ANS). |
The autonomic nervous system also includes the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). |
|
Function |
The primary purpose is to elicit a fight-or-flight reaction. |
The major role is to regulate the body's feed and breed responses, followed by the rest and digest response. |
|
Heartbeat |
It causes an increase in heart rate. |
It slows the pulse. |
|
Salivary Glands |
It lowers saliva production. |
It stimulates saliva production. |
|
Pupil |
It contributes to the pupils' enjoyment. |
It aids in the creation of a student contract. |
|
Glucose Level |
It aids in the conversion of glycogen into glucose for the energy required by muscles. |
The parasympathetic nervous system is not involved. |
|
Muscle Cells |
It puts more strain on the muscles. |
It relieves tension and relaxes muscles. |
|
Pulmonary System |
The bronchial tube rejoices in this. |
The bronchial tube contracts in this case. |
|
Urinary Response |
It aids in the reduction of urine output. |
It aids in the increase of urine output. |
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve systems make up the autonomic nervous system. During a threat or perceived danger, the sympathetic nervous system starts the fight or flight reaction, whereas the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to a state of calm.
The parasympathetic nervous system restores calm to the body and protects it from overworking. The sympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, prepares the body for fight-or-flight responses.
The sympathetic nervous system secretes the chemicals adrenaline and norepinephrine, which induce the heart to beat faster, whereas the parasympathetic nervous system secretes the hormone acetylcholine, which decreases the heart rate.
The parasympathetic nervous system stimulates important body activities such as salivation, urine, lacrimation, feces, and digestion.
An autonomous nervous system is made up of neurons in the peripheral nervous system that performs specific activities. These neurons control three types of cells. Smooth muscle cells are found in all tissues throughout the body and are regulated by different neurons. The autonomic nervous system is made up of two basic components: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The former originates in the center of the spinal cord, whereas the latter emerges as a plexus of linked nerve roots organized to create separate nerves from the spinal cord.
The parasympathetic nervous system is made up of cranial and spinal nerves. Cell bodies in the gray column of the spinal cord make up the sympathetic nervous system.
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By - Nikita Parmar 2023-08-25 09:48:44 , 11 min readAns. Cranial and spinal nerves make up the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is made up of cell bodies found in the gray column of the spinal cord.
Ans. The parasympathetic nervous system stimulates key physiological processes such as salivation, urine, lacrimation, feces, and digestion.
Ans. The parasympathetic nervous system not only calms and stabilizes the body but also prevents overwork. The sympathetic nervous system is activated during a fight or flight reaction.
Ans. The parasympathetic nervous system restores the body’s calm and protects it from overworking. In contrast, the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for a fight-or-flight reaction.
Ans. These are parasympathetic nervous system autonomic ganglia that are located close to or inside the organs they innervate.
Ans. It causes the heart to beat quicker, the bronchial airways to widen, the large intestine motility to decrease, the blood vessels to constrict, the esophageal peristalsis to increase, the pupils to dilate, goosebumps and perspiration (sweating), and the blood pressure to rise.
Ans. Deep, calm, and steady breathing activates our parasympathetic nervous system. We may also moderate our stress reactions by taking long, deep breaths, which help lower worry, panic, rapid heartbeats, and shallow chest breathing.
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