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Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System Functions

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  • What is the primary function of the sympathetic nervous system?
    The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and redirecting blood flow to muscles.
  • What does the parasympathetic nervous system primarily control?
    The parasympathetic nervous system promotes 'rest and digest' activities, slowing the heart rate, constricting pupils, and stimulating digestion.
  • How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems affect heart rate?
    Sympathetic stimulation increases heart rate, while parasympathetic stimulation decreases it.
  • Which nervous system dilates the pupils and why?
    The sympathetic nervous system dilates pupils to allow more light for better vision during stress or danger.
  • What effect does the parasympathetic nervous system have on digestion?
    It stimulates digestive activities by increasing secretion of digestive enzymes and promoting peristalsis.
  • Name one physiological change caused by sympathetic activation.
    Increased respiratory rate to supply more oxygen to muscles.
  • How does the parasympathetic nervous system influence the bladder?
    It promotes bladder contraction to facilitate urination.
  • What neurotransmitter is primarily released by the parasympathetic nervous system?
    Acetylcholine is the main neurotransmitter released by parasympathetic neurons.
  • Which neurotransmitter is mainly released by the sympathetic nervous system?
    Norepinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter released by sympathetic neurons.
  • How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems interact to maintain homeostasis?
    They have opposing effects that balance body functions, adjusting organ activity based on stress or rest.
  • What happens to blood vessels during sympathetic activation?
    Most blood vessels constrict to redirect blood flow to essential muscles and organs.
  • Describe the effect of parasympathetic stimulation on the lungs.
    It causes bronchoconstriction, reducing airway diameter during restful states.
  • What role does the sympathetic nervous system play in energy metabolism?
    It stimulates glycogen breakdown and fat release to provide energy quickly.
  • How does the parasympathetic nervous system affect salivary glands?
    It increases saliva production to aid digestion.
  • Which system is activated during stress: sympathetic or parasympathetic?
    The sympathetic nervous system is activated during stress.
  • What is the effect of sympathetic stimulation on sweat glands?
    It increases sweat production to help cool the body.
  • How does parasympathetic activation affect the liver?
    It promotes glycogen synthesis and storage.
  • What is the general effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the digestive tract?
    It inhibits digestion by decreasing motility and secretions.
  • How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems affect pupil size differently?
    Sympathetic causes dilation; parasympathetic causes constriction.
  • What is the role of the vagus nerve in the parasympathetic system?
    The vagus nerve controls parasympathetic output to the heart, lungs, and digestive tract.