Parasympathetic nervous system: Difference between revisions
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The '''parasympathetic nervous system''' is part of the [[autonomic nervous system]] and has the following functions: | The '''parasympathetic nervous system''' is part of the [[autonomic nervous system]] and has the following functions: | ||
[[Image:Gray839.gif|thumb|479px|The autonomic nervous system<br/>'''Blue = parasympathetic'''<BR>Red = sympathetic]] | |||
* Dilates blood vessels leading to the GI tract, increasing blood flow. This is important following the consumption of food, due to the greater metabolic demands placed on the body by the gut. | * Dilates blood vessels leading to the GI tract, increasing blood flow. This is important following the consumption of food, due to the greater metabolic demands placed on the body by the gut. | ||
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* During accommodation, the parasympathetic nervous system causes constriction of the pupil and lens. | * During accommodation, the parasympathetic nervous system causes constriction of the pupil and lens. | ||
* The parasympathetic nervous system stimulates salivary gland secretion, and accelerates [[peristalsis]], so, in keeping with the rest and digest functions, appropriate | * The parasympathetic nervous system stimulates salivary gland secretion, and accelerates [[peristalsis]], so, in keeping with the rest and digest functions, appropriate parasympathetic nervous system activity mediates digestion of food and indirectly, the absorption of nutrients. | ||
* Is also involved in erection of genitals, via the [[pelvic splanchnic nerves]] 2–4. | * Is also involved in erection of genitals, via the [[pelvic splanchnic nerves]] 2–4. | ||
Revision as of 04:50, 22 January 2008
The parasympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system and has the following functions:
- Dilates blood vessels leading to the GI tract, increasing blood flow. This is important following the consumption of food, due to the greater metabolic demands placed on the body by the gut.
- The parasympathetic nervous system can also constrict the bronchiolar diameter when the need for oxygen has diminished.
- During accommodation, the parasympathetic nervous system causes constriction of the pupil and lens.
- The parasympathetic nervous system stimulates salivary gland secretion, and accelerates peristalsis, so, in keeping with the rest and digest functions, appropriate parasympathetic nervous system activity mediates digestion of food and indirectly, the absorption of nutrients.
- Is also involved in erection of genitals, via the pelvic splanchnic nerves 2–4.