The parasympathetic nervous system is a division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for conserving energy and promoting 'rest-and-digest' activities. It counterbalances the sympathetic nervous system's 'fight-or-flight' response by slowing the heart rate, increasing intestinal activity, and relaxing sphincter muscles.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

parasympathetic nervous system

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a critical component of the peripheral nervous system responsible for regulating involuntary physiological functions, including heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and reflexes. It operates through two main divisions, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which work in tandem to maintain homeostasis and respond to stressors.

autonomic nervous system

conserving energy

Rest-and-digest activities

The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response, preparing the body to react to stress or emergencies by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and redistributing blood to muscles. It works in tandem with the parasympathetic nervous system to maintain homeostasis, ensuring that the body can respond appropriately to various stimuli and then return to a state of rest and recovery.

sympathetic nervous system

The fight-or-flight response is an automatic physiological reaction to an event perceived as stressful or frightening, triggering the release of hormones that prepare the body to either stay and confront the threat or flee to safety. This response is a critical survival mechanism that involves various systems of the body, including the nervous and endocrine systems, to increase alertness, energy, and strength.

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