Compare Anything

Meiosis

vs.

Mitosis

Parasympathetic vs. Sympathetic Nervous

System
Diffen Science Biology Anatomy

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 ANS, or autonomic nervous system which is responsible for
the involuntary functions of the human body.

Comparison chart
Parasympathetic
nervous system
Introduction The 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 restand-digest response.
Function Control the body's response while
at rest.
Originates in Spinal cord, medulla

Activates Rest and digest

response of
Neuron Pathways Longer pathways, slower system
General Body Counterbalance; restores body to
Response state of calm.

Sympathetic nervous
system
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.

Control the body's response

during perceived threat.
Spinal cord, thoracic and lumbar
spinal cord
Fight-or-flight

Very short neurons, faster system

Body speeds up, tenses up,
becomes more alert. Functions
not critical to survival shut down.

Cardiovascular Decreases heart rate

System (heart
rate)

Increases contraction, heart rate

Pulmonary Bronchial tubes constrict

System (lungs)

Bronchial tubes dilate

Musculoskeletal Muscles relax

System
Pupils Constrict

Muscles contract

Dilate

Gastrointestinal Increases stomach movement

System and secretions

Decreases stomach movement

and secretions

Salivary Glands Saliva production increases

Saliva production decreases

Adrenal Gland No involvement

Releases adrenaline

GO

Glycogen to No involvement
Glucose
Conversion
Urinary Increase in urinary output
Response

Increases; converts glycogen to

glucose for muscle energy

Decrease in urinary output

Contents: Parasympathetic vs Sympathetic Nervous System

1 The Autonomic Nervous System
2 What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
3 What is the sympathetic nervous system?
4 Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Responses
5 How it Works
6 References

The Autonomic Nervous System

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.

The Nervous System - CrashCourse Biology #26

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.

References
Autonomic Nervous System - Neuroscience for Kids

Wikipedia: Sympathetic nervous system

Wikipedia: Parasympathetic nervous system
Sympathetic Storming After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury - CriticalCareNurse
Automatic Nervous System (PDF) - Inver Hills Community College
The Automatic Nervous System - University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Related Comparisons

Mitosis and Meiosis

DNA vs RNA

Blood vs Plasma

RBC vs WBC

Veins and Arteries

Abdomen vs Stomach

Comments: Parasympathetic nervous system vs Sympathetic nervous

system

About Diffen
How to Cite
Log in / Register
Request a Comparison
Submit Feedback
Stay connected

All rights reserved.

Terms of use | Privacy policy