Introduction
The parasympathetic works in the state of rest and also during digestion, while the sympathetic works in the state of fight and flight , for example: when a person is being chased, for example, by a predator, and so on.
The function of the parasympathetic nervous system is at rest
- It maintains digestion and waste elimination processes.
- The parasympathetic nervous system decreases both blood pressure and heart rate.
- The parasympathetic nervous system works to reduce blood supply to skeletal muscles.
- The parasympathetic nervous system acts to constrict the pupil ( miosis) .
- The parasympathetic nervous system acts to constrict the bronchi in the respiratory tract.
- The parasympathetic nervous system works to increase the movement of the gastrointestinal tract, which helps this system in the processes of digestion.
- The parasympathetic nervous system works to narrow the detrusor muscles in the bladder, on the other hand, works to dilute the internal urethral orifice in the bladder , these and other processes help push urine out of the bladder.
The function of the sympathetic nervous system is at flight and fight
- The sympathetic nervous system increases blood pressure and thus increases the heart rate.
- The sympathetic nervous system increases blood flow to skeletal muscles.
- The sympathetic nervous system dilates the pupils ( mydriasis ) .
- The sympathetic nervous system dilates the bronchi.
- The sympathetic nervous system decreases gastrointestinal motility (as opposed to the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn increases gastrointestinal motility).
- Mobilizer energy stores of the body.