Parasympathetic vs. sympathetic nervous system

Parasympathetic function

control the body's response while at rest

Parasympathetic originates in

spinal cord and medulla

Parasympathetic activates response of

rest and digest

Parasympathetic Neuron pathways

longer pathways slower system

Parasympathetic General body response

counterbalance; restores body to state of calm

Parasympathetic Cardiovascular System (heart rate)

decrease heart rate

Parasympathetic Pulmonary System (lungs)

Bronchial tubes constrict

Parasympathetic Musculoskeletal System

muscles relax

Parasympathetic Pupils

constrict

Parasympathetic Gastrointestinal System

increase stomach movement and secretions

Parasympathetic Salivary Glands

Saliva production increases

Parasympathetic Adrenal Gland

no involvement

Parasympathetic Glycogen to Glucose Conversion

no involvement

Parasympathetic Urinary Response

increase in urinary output

sympathetic Function

control the body's response during perceived threat

sympathetic Originates in

spinal cord, thoracic and lumbar spinal cord

sympathetic Activates response of

fight or flight

sympathetic Neuron pathways

very short neurons, faster system

sympathetic General body response

body speeds up, tenses up, becomes more alert. function not critical to survival shut down

sympathetic Cardiovascular system heart rate

increase contraction, heart rate

sympathetic pulmonary system lungs

bronchial tubes dilate

sympathetic musculoskeletal system

muscles contract

sympathetic pupils

dilate

sympathetic gastrointestinal system

decreases stomach movement and secretions

sympathetic salivary glands

saliva production decreases

sympathetic andrenal gland

release adrenaline

sympathetic glycogen to glucose conversion

increase; converts glycogen to glucose for muscle energy

sympathetic urinary response

Decrease in urinary output