Which comparison best explains the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

Question Video: Comparing the Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous System Biology

Which comparison best explains the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

Which of the following statements correctly describes the difference between the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems? [A] The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for strenuous activity and the “fight or flight” response, whereas the parasympathetic nervous system conserves energy and regulates the “rest and digest” state. [B] The sympathetic nervous system conserves energy and regulates the “rest and digest” state, whereas the parasympathetic nervous system prepares the body for strenuous activity and the “fight or flight” response.

Video Transcript

Which of the following statements correctly describes the difference between the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems? (A) The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for strenuous activity and the fight-or-flight response, whereas the parasympathetic nervous system conserves energy and regulates the rest-and-digest state. Or (B) the sympathetic nervous system conserves energy and regulates the rest-and-digest state, whereas the parasympathetic nervous system prepares the body for strenuous activity and the fight-or-flight response.

The autonomic nervous system has two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. These two systems oppose one another and are used for different functions. The sympathetic nervous system takes over when the body is undergoing a stressful or strenuous situation. It causes many physiological changes, including dilating the pupils, increasing heart rate, and stimulating the secretion of sweat and release of adrenaline hormones. This is known as the fight-or-flight response, in which the body is preparing to deal with exertion and stress.

The parasympathetic nervous system does exactly the opposite. It takes over when the body is in a restful state. It conserves energy, favors sleepiness by constricting the pupils, and increases blood flow to nonvital systems such as the digestive tract. This is known as the rest-and-digest state. So the answer that correctly defines these two systems is (A). The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for strenuous activity and the fight-or-flight response, whereas the parasympathetic nervous system conserves energy and regulates the rest-and-digest state.

The central nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and all of the nerves within our body. The autonomic nervous system is the part of the central nervous system that regulates involuntary body functions. Within the autonomic nervous system, we find the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which both control the same parts of the body and same general functions of the body, but with opposing effects.

Índice

  • Understanding what sympathetic and parasympathetic responses
  • The Sympathetic Nervous System: Fight or Flight Response
  • The Parasympathetic Nervous System: Rest and Digest
  • Why Does This Matter?
  • What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
  • What is the sympathetic nervous system?
  • Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Responses
  • How it Works

Understanding what sympathetic and parasympathetic responses

Understanding what sympathetic and parasympathetic responses are is not vital to them happening—they are involuntary responses to various stimuli. However, when we understand what each part of our autonomic nervous system does and what it needs to function properly, we become well-informed practice members at Experience Family Chiropractic and can better explain why seeing a Cape Coral chiropractor is so beneficial.

The Sympathetic Nervous System: Fight or Flight Response

The fight or flight response is commonly known, but what may be lesser known is that this reaction to external stimuli is based completely on the sympathetic nervous system. When we are faced with a perceived threat of any kind, whether physical or emotional, our sympathetic nervous system kicks into gear and brings about automatic and involuntary responses, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, heightened awareness, elevated respiratory rate, and more sweating. The sympathetic nervous system also shuts down many parasympathetic responses in order to utilize more energy for the fight or flight response.

The Parasympathetic Nervous System: Rest and Digest

The parasympathetic nervous system affects the same body functions as the sympathetic nervous system, but in a completely different way. It works to slow down certain responses and bring about a state of calm to the body, allowing it to rest, relax, and repair itself. The primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system is to maintain long-term health and a healthy balance across all of the body’s functions. Parasympathetic responses include an increase of digestive enzymes, decreased heart rate, constriction of bronchial tubes in lungs, and more relaxed muscles.

Why Does This Matter?

Both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are vital to our health and survival. However, for our bodies to live with optimal health and proper function for as long as possible, there must be a balance between the two. If there is a miscommunication between your brain and the impulses that promote sympathetic responses, your body will be functioning in fight or flight mode far too often and for far too long, and this can have negative consequences on your overall health.

You want a healthy balance between the two parts of your autonomic nervous system, and that comes when your spinal cord and nerves are functioning properly. At Experience Family Chiropractic, Dr. Clark’s main focus is removing any nerve interference that could be getting in the way of proper sympathetic and parasympathetic responses through specific chiropractic care. This will allow your body to react appropriately and effectively to any stimuli and to ensure your body retains proper function and achieves optimal health, both short-term and long-term.

To learn more about your body’s nervous system or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Omar Clark and his team, contact Experience Family Chiropractic at 239-205-3700.

Sources

Gibbons, P.F., Gosling, C.M., Holmes, M. “Short-Term Effects of Cervical Manipulation on Edge Light Pupil Cycle Time: A Pilot Study.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2000 Sep; 23(7): 465-469. https://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754%2800%2981597-3/abstract.

Welch, A., Boone, R. “Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Responses to Specific Diversified Adjustments to Chiropractic Vertebral Subluxations of the Cervical and Thoracic Spine.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2008 Sep; 7(3): 86-93. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2686395/.

The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) controls homeostasis and the body at rest and is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" function. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) controls the body's responses to a perceived threat and is responsible for the "fight or flight" response.

The PNS and SNS are part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is responsible for the involuntary functions of the human body.

Parasympathetic nervous system versus Sympathetic nervous system comparison chart

Parasympathetic nervous systemSympathetic nervous system
IntroductionThe 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. 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.
FunctionControl the body's response while at rest. Control the body's response during perceived threat.
Originates inSacral region of spinal cord, medulla, cranial nerves 3, 7, 9, and 10 Thoracic and lumbar regions of spinal cord
Activates response ofRest and digest Fight-or-flight
Neuron PathwaysLonger pathways, slower system Very short neurons, faster system
General Body ResponseCounterbalance; restores body to state of calm. Body speeds up, tenses up, becomes more alert. Functions not critical to survival shut down.
Cardiovascular System (heart rate)Decreases heart rate Increases contraction, heart rate
Pulmonary System (lungs)Bronchial tubes constrict Bronchial tubes dilate
Musculoskeletal SystemMuscles relax Muscles contract
PupilsConstrict Dilate
Gastrointestinal SystemIncreases stomach movement and secretions Decreases stomach movement and secretions
Salivary GlandsSaliva production increases Saliva production decreases
Adrenal GlandNo involvement Releases adrenaline
Glycogen to Glucose ConversionNo involvement Increases; converts glycogen to glucose for muscle energy
Urinary ResponseIncrease in urinary output Decrease in urinary output
Neurotransmittersneurons are cholinergic: acetylcholine neurons are mostly adrenergic: epinephrine / norepinephrine (acetylcholine)

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates visceral functions, i.e. functions of the internal organs such as the heart, stomach and intestines. The ANS is part of the peripheral nervous system and also has control over some muscles within the body. The functions of the ANS are involuntary and reflexive, e.g. the beating of the heart, expansion or contraction of blood vessels or pupils, etc. — which is why we are seldom conscious of it. The parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, along with the enteric nervous system make up the ANS.

What is the parasympathetic nervous system?

The parasympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system. It originates in the spinal cord and the medulla and controls homeostasis, or the maintenance of the body's systems. The parasympathetic nervous system controls the "rest and digest" functions of the body.

What is the sympathetic nervous system?

The sympathetic nervous system, also part of the autonomic nervous system, originates in the spinal cord; specifically in the thoracic and lumbar regions. It controls the body's "fight or flight" responses, or how the body reacts to perceived danger.

Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Responses

With sympathetic nervous responses, the body speeds up, tenses up and becomes more alert. Functions that are not essential for survival are shut down. Following are the specific reactions of sympathetic nervous system:

  • increase in the rate and constriction of the heart
  • dilation of bronchial tubes in the lungs and pupils in the eyes
  • contraction of muscles
  • release of adrenaline from the adrenal gland
  • conversion of glycogen to glucose to provide energy for the muscles.
  • shut down of processes not critical for survival
  • decrease in saliva production: the stomach does not move for digestion, nor does it release digestive secretions.
  • decrease in urinary output
  • sphincter contraction.

The parasympathetic nervous system counterbalances the sympathetic nervous system. It restores the body to a state of calm. The specific responses are:

  • decrease in heart rate
  • constriction of bronchial tubes in the lungs and pupils in the eyes
  • relaxation of muscles
  • saliva production: the stomach moves and increases secretions for digestion.
  • increase in urinary output
  • sphincter relaxation.

A diagram of parasympathetic and sympathetic effects. Click to enlarge.

How it Works

The parasympathetic nervous system is a slower system and moves along longer pathways. Preganglionic fibers from the medulla or spinal cord project ganglia close to the target organ. They create a synapse, which eventually creates the desired response.

The sympathetic nervous system is a faster system as it moves along very short neurons. When the system is activated, it activates the adrenal medulla to release hormones and chemical receptors into the bloodstreams. The target glands and muscles get activated. Once the perceived danger is gone, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over to counterbalance the effects of the sympathetic nervous system's responses.

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