Understanding Our Nervous System
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UNDERSTANDING WHAT SYMPATHETIC AND PARASYMPATHETIC RESPONSES
Understanding what sympathetic and parasympathetic responses are is not vital to them happening—they are involuntary responses to various stimuli. However, when we understand what each part of our autonomic nervous system does and what it needs to function properly, we become well-informed.
THE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM: FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE
The fight or flight response is commonly known, but what may be lesser known is that this reaction to external stimuli is based completely on the sympathetic nervous system. When we are faced with a perceived threat of any kind, whether physical or emotional, our sympathetic nervous system kicks into gear and brings about automatic and involuntary responses, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, heightened awareness, elevated respiratory rate, and more sweating. The sympathetic nervous system also shuts down many parasympathetic responses in order to utilize more energy for the fight or flight response.
THE PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM: REST AND DIGEST
The parasympathetic nervous system affects the same body functions as the sympathetic nervous system but in a completely different way. It works to slow down certain responses, bring about a state of calm to the body, allowing it to rest, relax, and repair itself. The primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system is to maintain long-term health and a healthy balance across all of the body’s functions. Parasympathetic responses include an increase of digestive enzymes, decreased heart rate, constriction of bronchial tubes in the lungs, and more relaxed muscles.
Understanding what sympathetic and parasympathetic responses are is not vital to them happening—they are involuntary responses to various stimuli. However, when we understand what each part of our autonomic nervous system does and what it needs to function properly, we become well-informed.
THE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM: FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE
The fight or flight response is commonly known, but what may be lesser known is that this reaction to external stimuli is based completely on the sympathetic nervous system. When we are faced with a perceived threat of any kind, whether physical or emotional, our sympathetic nervous system kicks into gear and brings about automatic and involuntary responses, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, heightened awareness, elevated respiratory rate, and more sweating. The sympathetic nervous system also shuts down many parasympathetic responses in order to utilize more energy for the fight or flight response.
THE PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM: REST AND DIGEST
The parasympathetic nervous system affects the same body functions as the sympathetic nervous system but in a completely different way. It works to slow down certain responses, bring about a state of calm to the body, allowing it to rest, relax, and repair itself. The primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system is to maintain long-term health and a healthy balance across all of the body’s functions. Parasympathetic responses include an increase of digestive enzymes, decreased heart rate, constriction of bronchial tubes in the lungs, and more relaxed muscles.