Difference Between Sympathetic And Parasympathetic

The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems are a part of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) present in the human body. The ANS regulates internal organ function by supplying smooth muscles and glands. One of the major subsystems of the ANS is the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which is primarily responsible for the fight-or-flight response. Another antagonistic set of ANS is the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS). It mostly regulates visceral organs.

Difference Between Sympathetic & Parasympathetic Nervous Systems

The below table lists the major differences between the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems:

Characteristics	Sympathetic Nervous System	Parasympathetic Nervous System
Definition	The sympathetic nervous system is a portion of the nervous system that is responsible for producing reflex cardiovascular system alterations as well as localized adjustments, such as sweating in reaction to a rise in body temperature.	The parasympathetic nervous system is a branch of the nervous system that largely regulates visceral organs like glands.
Function	The main goal is to initiate a fight-or-flight response.	The primary goal is controlling the body’s feed and breed reactions, which are then followed by the rest and digest reactions.
Salivary Glands	It decreases Saliva production.	It increases the flow of saliva.
Glucose Level	It helps with the process of turning glycogen into glucose so that muscles can get the energy they need.	There is no involvement of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Urinary Response	It assists in lowering urine production.	It helps to boost urine production.
Heart Rate	Results in increase of heart rate.	It slows the heart rate.
Pupil	It aids in the expansion of the pupils.	It helps to make the pupil contract.
Muscles	It stresses the muscles more.	It relaxes muscles and releases stress.

What is Sympathetic Nervous System?

The sympathetic Nervous System is a part of the Autonomic Nervous System. It is the nervous system that is mainly involved in the excited state of the body. When the body gets excited due to any external reason, the Sympathetic Nervous System gets activated. And it makes some changes in the body which helps to balance the body during the excited state. And for that, it doesn’t need any order or command from the brain or spinal cord. Getting the external stimulation, it can do the same on its own. That is the reason; it falls under the Autonomic Nervous System.

What is Parasympathetic Nervous System?

Parasympathetic Nervous System also belongs to the Autonomic Nervous System as it also doesn’t need any command or order from the Central Nervous System for execution. The appearance of the Parasympathetic Nervous System comes just after the excitement created by the Sympathetic Nervous System. When the excitement period gets ended, the influence of the Sympathetic Nervous System gets dissolved.

At that point, the Parasympathetic Nervous System works to calm down the body. This collaboration is going to make the body balanced. Whatever the changes made in the body during the excitement stage by the Sympathetic Nervous System, the Parasympathetic Nervous System will reduce it down to the normal stage.

How Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems Work?

The parasympathetic nervous system works across longer distances and more gradually. The projection of ganglia to the target organ is directed by preganglionic fibers from the medulla or spinal cord. They connect at a synapse, which causes the desired result.

The sympathetic nervous system is a faster process because it travels through incredibly short neurons. The adrenal medulla is activated when the system is set off, which results in the release of hormones and chemical receptors into the bloodstream. Muscles and glands that have been selected are activated. Once the perceived threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over to balance the consequences of the sympathetic nervous system’s reactions.

FAQs on Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems

1. What is the Difference between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System?

Answer:

The Parasympathetic Nervous System controls the “rest and digest” response, whereas the Sympathetic Nervous System controls the “fight or flight” response. SNS fibers provide physiological regulation over a variety of bodily functions, including pupil size, stomach motility, and urine output. They innervate tissues in practically every organ system.

2. What is Parasympathetic Response?

Answer:

The sympathetic nervous system is the one that drives the “fight or flight” reaction in stressful situations, while the parasympathetic nervous system rules in peaceful “rest and digest” conditions. The major functions of the PNS are to regulate body processes like digestion and urine as well as to store energy for later use.

3. Is Crying Sympathetic or Parasympathetic?

Answer:

Although the lacrimal glands’ production of tears is mostly a parasympathetically mediated response, the sympathetic nervous system also has a significant impact on emotional crying.

4. What is an Example of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System?

Answer:

Blood pressure is affected by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Overall, the two divisions cooperate to make sure that the body reacts to various circumstances in an appropriate manner.

5. Is Stress Sympathetic or Parasympathetic?

Answer:

Stress triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn activates the adrenal glands, in terms of the nervous system. After the acute stress-induced crisis has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system helps the body recover.