Difference Between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System: ANS, Functions, How do they Work, and Sample Questions

Difference Between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System Overview

The autonomic nervous system includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The autonomic nervous system is a regulatory mechanism that controls internal organ function by feeding smooth muscles and glands. Cardiovascular, respiratory, and vasomotor regulation, as well as reflex responses like vomiting, coughing, sneezing, and swallowing, are examples of these tasks.

What is the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?

Reflex activities from the brainstem to the organs and spinal cord govern the autonomic nervous system. These tasks include heart control, respiratory control, and vasomotor control, as well as reflex behaviors such as vomiting, coughing, sneezing, and swallowing.

The autonomic nervous system is separated into two parts, which are as follows-

Difference Between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System Definitions

Definition of Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is one of the autonomic nervous system's main divisions, playing the principal role in the fight-or-flight response. It is classified as a parasympathetic nervous system antagonist. It's close to the lumbar and thoracic areas. It is discovered in the spinal cord. The sympathetic nervous system regulates the heart rate, breathing system, and pupil response.

Definition of Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) is another antagonistic group of autonomic nervous system nerves. It largely controls visceral organs. While controlling numerous tissues, the parasympathetic nervous system never attempts to manage the maintenance of life. This system's nerves aid in relaxing, digesting, and lowering the heart rate. These nerves are also referred to as cranial nerves.

Difference Between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System Functions 

Functions of Sympathetic Nervous System

1. The sympathetic nervous system assists in enhancing physical speed, tension, and alertness. It causes the heart to beat faster and constrict more, and it aids in the release of adrenaline from the adrenal gland. The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline through this gland. It regulates the body's fight-or-flight response. The pre-ganglionic and post-ganglionic neurons aid in the transmission of any signal.
2. Theadrenal gland responds by increasing heart rate, cardiac output, skeletal muscle vasodilation, and gastrointestinal vasoconstriction. Through sympathetic ganglia, sympathetic neurons connect with peripheral sympathetic neurons. These sympathetic neurons in the spinal cord are known as presynaptic (or preganglionic) neurons.
3. Hormones are also released by the sympathetic nervous system. These hormones aid in the acceleration or rise of the heart rate. SNS hormones include epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Functions of Parasympathetic Nervous System

1. The nervous system is organized similarly to the sympathetic nervous system. Preganglionic and postganglionic neurons are the most important components. These neurons are located in the brainstem or lateral horn of the spinal cord. This preganglionic axon emerges from the brainstem to forecast parasympathetic ganglia and is found near the heart or in the brain, in organs such as the trachea, gastrointestinal system, and bronchi, or a short distance from the urine bladder.
2. Parasympathetic controls include glands such as the lacrimal or "tear" gland, which gives tears to the eye's cornea; the nasal mucous glands, which produce mucus through the nasal air channel; and the salivary gland, which provides saliva.

How do the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems work? 

The parasympathetic nervous system works more slowly and along longer paths. Preganglionic fibers from the medulla or spinal cord direct the projection of ganglia to the target organ. They form a synapse, which leads to the desired reaction.

Because it flows through extremely short neurons, the sympathetic nervous system is a quicker mechanism. When the system is triggered, the adrenal medulla is stimulated, causing hormones and chemical receptors to be released into the circulation. The targeted glands and muscles are stimulated. When the perceived threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system takes over to balance the consequences of the sympathetic nervous system's reactions.

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Difference Between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System

The following are the detailed differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems- 

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Similarities Between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems

1. The autonomic nervous system includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
2. The spinal cord is the genesis of both neural systems.
3. Both nerve systems are in charge of the body's physiological operations (ex: respiration, digestion, circulation, urination, and reproduction).
4. They play a role in maintaining the body's homeostasis.
5. They are made up of pre- and post-ganglionic neurons.

Points to Remember

1. The sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system are the two components of the autonomic nervous system.
2. During dangers or perceived hazards, the sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response, whereas the parasympathetic nervous system restores bodily calm.
3. Parasympathetic ganglia are autonomic ganglia of the parasympathetic nervous system that are located close to or inside the organs they innervate.
4. The sympathetic nervous system is a speedier system that goes via extremely short neurons, whereas the parasympathetic nervous system is a slower system that moves down longer routes.

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Conclusion

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve systems make up the autonomic nervous system. During a threat or perceived danger, the sympathetic nervous system starts the fight or flight reaction, whereas the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to a state of calm.

Sample Questions for the Difference Between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System

Sample Question 1- What is the primary distinction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

The parasympathetic nervous system restores calm to the body and protects it from overworking. The sympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, prepares the body for fight-or-flight responses.

Sample Question 2- What hormones are produced by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

The sympathetic nervous system secretes the chemicals adrenaline and norepinephrine, which induce the heart to beat faster, whereas the parasympathetic nervous system secretes the hormone acetylcholine, which decreases the heart rate.

Sample Question 3- What actions is the parasympathetic nervous system in charge of? 

The parasympathetic nervous system stimulates important body activities such as salivation, urine, lacrimation, feces, and digestion.

Sample Question 4- What exactly is an Autonomous Nervous System (ANS)?

An autonomous nervous system is made up of neurons in the peripheral nervous system that performs specific activities. These neurons control three types of cells. Smooth muscle cells are found in all tissues throughout the body and are regulated by different neurons. The autonomic nervous system is made up of two basic components: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The former originates in the center of the spinal cord, whereas the latter emerges as a plexus of linked nerve roots organized to create separate nerves from the spinal cord.

Sample Question 5- What are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems made up of?

The parasympathetic nervous system is made up of cranial and spinal nerves. Cell bodies in the gray column of the spinal cord make up the sympathetic nervous system.