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This page will explain the key distinctions between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. We will start with the discussion of the autonomic nervous system. Then will move to the discussions on sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
This article aims to provide the reader with a concise explanation of the key differences between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and any additional relevant data. Read the introduction and the end of the essay if you have time constraints.
IntroductionÂ
The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are the two branches of the autonomic nervous system that are present in the human body. These two systems coordinate their efforts to control various involuntary bodily functions, such as the rate at which the heart beats, the blood pressure, the digestive process, and the respiratory process. It is essential to remember that even though the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are distinct in several significant ways, they cooperate in an extremely well-coordinated fashion to keep the body’s homeostasis stable.
Nervous System
Your nervous system acts as the command and control center for your whole physical being. Your actions, ideas, and the autonomic ways you react to the environment around you are all under its control. The nervous system may be broken down into its three component parts: the central nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, and the peripheral nervous system. There are two subdivisions of the nervous system. They are:
- Central Nervous System (CNS)
- Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Peripheral Nervous System (CNS)
The peripheral nervous system is the part of the nervous system that is located outside of the central nervous system, also known as the CNS. It comprises all of the nerves and ganglia (clusters of nerve cell bodies) that are not a part of the brain or the spinal cord. The somatic nervous and autonomic nervous systems are the two primary divisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), responsible for conveying information between the central nervous system and the rest of the body.
Autonomic Nervous System
The division of the peripheral nervous system, known as the autonomic nervous system (ANS), is the part of the nervous system that regulates the body’s unconscious activities. The rate at which the heart beats, the rate at which the lungs breathe, and the pupils’ responsiveness are all examples of these functions.
The autonomic nervous system consists of two distinct subsystems: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). These two divisions have opposing functions that help control the organism’s internal environment and keep it in homeostatic balance.
Functions of Autonomic Nervous System
In addition to the body’s physiological processes, the autonomic nervous system is essential in regulating the stress response. This gives the body the capacity to respond correctly to a variety of stimuli and to keep its internal balance and stability intact. In general, the autonomic nervous system contributes to the maintenance of the body’s internal environment, enabling the organism to operate at its highest potential and react appropriately to changes in its external environment.
Some of the important functions of autonomic nervous system are:
- Heart rate and blood pressure regulation
- Respiration
- Digestion and metabolism
- Urination and defecation
- Sexual arousal and function
- Pupil dilation and constriction
- Sweating
- Salivation and tear production
- Vasodilation and vasoconstriction
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)
Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is in charge of regulating the body’s unconscious processes. It is commonly called the “fight or flight” system because it primes the body for an immediate and strong physical effort in reaction to a perceived threat or stressful situation.
Functions of Sympathetic Nervous System
The following are some of the functions of the SNS:
- Increases heart rate and blood pressure
- Dilates pupils
- Increases respiratory rate
- Increases sweating
- Constricts blood vessels in skin and diverts blood flow to muscles
- Increases glucose release from liver
- Suppresses digestion
- Increases metabolic rate
Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)
Parasympathetic nervous system controls the body’s unconscious processes. In response to non-stressful circumstances, the parasympathetic nervous system activates, which causes the body to slow down and encourages relaxation and digesting. This system is sometimes called the “rest and digest” system.
Functions of Parasympathetic Nervous System
The following are some of the functions of the PNS:
- Decreases heart rate and blood pressure
- Constricts pupils
- Decreases respiratory rate
- Decreases sweating
- Dilates blood vessels in skin and diverts blood flow to digestive organs
- Decreases glucose release from liver
- Increases digestion
- Decreases metabolic rate
Difference between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems
The fundamental distinctions between open and closed circulatory systems are as follows:
| Points of Difference | Sympathetic Nervous System | Parasympathetic Nervous System |
| Purpose | In reaction to danger or stress, SNS causes the body to be ready for more strenuous physical activity | In reaction to events that do not cause stress, PNS slows down bodily processes and encourages relaxation as well as digestion. |
| Activation | Triggered by danger or emotional stress. | Triggered by relaxation and non-stressful situations. |
| Origin of Fibers | Its origin may be traced back to the thoracic (T1) and lumbar (L2/L3) portions of the spinal cord. | Its origin may be traced back to the sacral region of the spinal cord (the sacral outflow) and the cranial nerves. |
| Overall Effect | Prepares the body to get ready for intense physical activity. | Helps in recovering from stressful experiences while preserving the energy and balance. |
| Effect on target area | A widespread impact is produced in the target area. | It has a more concentrated impact in the region that it targets. |
| Secretion of saliva | Reduces the amount of saliva produced. | Stimulates the production of saliva and improves digestive function. |
| Fibers | Short fibers with the encasing of myelin sheaths. | Long and myelinated fibers. |
| Immune System | Inhibits the functioning of the immune system. | Stimulates the functioning of the immune system. |
| Arteries | Relaxing of arteries in response to the increased flow of blood. | Expansion of arteries. |
| Sweating | Sweating restricted to a specific area. | Sweating over a widespread area. |
| Effect on Eyes | Dilation of pupils. | Constriction of pupils. |
| Effect on Heart Rate | Increases the heart rate. | Decreases the heart rate. |
| Neuron Paths | It has short neuron pathways. | It has long neuron pathways. |
| Muscles | Muscles are tensed up. | Muscles are relaxed. |
| Liver | Activates the process of glycogen breakdown. | Increases the amount of glycogen production. |
| Metabolism | Increases metabolic activities. | Decreases the metabolic activities. |
| Rate of Respiration | Increased respiratory rate. | Decreased respiratory rate. |
| Digestion | Increased digestion | Decreases digestion. |
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q1. Which hormones are secreted by the sympathetic nervous system, and which hormones are produced by the parasympathetic nervous system?
Ans– Sympathetic nervous system secretes hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine. The parasympathetic nervous system secretes hormones such as acetylcholine and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP).
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Q2. The sympathetic nervous system regulates the body’s temperature in what ways?
Ans– The sympathetic nervous system draws the body’s stored reserves of fat, which increases the amount of heat generated by the body because it alters how blood flows to the skin. It also increases the body’s temperature by increasing the sweat glands’ activity.
Q3. In the sympathetic nervous system, what function does the hormone adrenaline serve?
Ans– The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for releasing adrenaline, which is also known as epinephrine. This helps the body prepare for the “fight or flight” reaction in response to stressful events.
Q4. How does the parasympathetic nervous system react when the body is relaxing?
Ans– The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for slowing down the body’s processes, conserving energy, and promoting relaxation and rest. Digestion is improved as a result, as is the heart rate and blood pressure is lowered.
Q5. Is it possible for the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system to act simultaneously?
Ans– The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems can act simultaneously, as they often work together to maintain balance in the body’s functions.
Q6. What is the name of the neurotransmitter that is released at both the pre and post ganglionic junctions in both the sympathetic and the parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system?
Ans– Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter.
