Parasympathetic Nervous System

• What does the Parasympathetic Nervous System stimulate in the body?

  It stimulates digestion
• What is the primary role of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?

  To calm the body after stress or excitement
• At which synapses does acetylcholine act in the PNS?

  Both preganglionic and postganglionic synapses
• What effect does the Parasympathetic Nervous System have on blood pressure?

  It lowers blood pressure
• What are the effects of the Parasympathetic Nervous System on heart rate?

  It slows down the heart rate
• How does the SNS affect heart rate?

  It increases heart rate
• Why does the consistent use of acetylcholine simplify signaling in the PNS?

  It ensures precise and localized control
• How does the neurotransmitter release in the PNS differ from the sympathetic system?

  There is no systemic release in the PNS
• How does the Parasympathetic Nervous System compare to the Sympathetic Nervous System?

  PNS calms, while SNS activates the body
• How does the parasympathetic nervous system affect digestion?

  It promotes food processing
• What are the key features of neurotransmitter use in the Parasympathetic Nervous System?

  • Uses only acetylcholine (Ach)
  • Acts at both preganglionic and postganglionic synapses
  • No systemic release
  • Binds to nicotinic and muscarinic receptors
  • Produces "rest and digest" effects
  • Simplifies signaling for precise control
• What nerve is extensively involved in the parasympathetic nervous system?

  Vagus nerve
• What neurotransmitter does the Parasympathetic Nervous System use?

  Acetylcholine (Ach)
• What role does the parasympathetic nervous system play in breathing?

  It controls depth and rate
• What types of receptors does acetylcholine bind to in the PNS?

  Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors
• What is the effect of the SNS on digestion?

  It inhibits digestion
• How does the parasympathetic nervous system regulate waste elimination?

  It regulates bladder and bowel movements
• What does PNS stand for?

  Parasympathetic Nervous System
• What effect does the SNS have on airways?

  It relaxes the airways
• What are the key functions of the parasympathetic nervous system in maintaining homeostasis?

  • Lowers heart rate
  • Promotes digestion
  • Controls breathing depth and rate
  • Regulates waste elimination
• How does the SNS affect the pupils?

  It dilates the pupils
• How does the Parasympathetic Nervous System help after stress?

  It helps your body relax and return to normal
• What are the opposing effects of the PNS and SNS on body functions?

  PNS promotes rest and digest; SNS triggers fight or flight
• Compare the functions of the Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous Systems.

  | Function | Parasympathetic Nervous System | Sympathetic Nervous System |

  | --- | --- | --- |

  | Heart Rate | Slows | Increases |

  | Blood Pressure | Lowers | Raises |

  | Digestion | Stimulates | Inhibits |

  | Energy | Conserves | Expends |
• What effect does the PNS have on airways?

  It contracts the airways
• How does the parasympathetic nervous system maintain homeostasis?

  By regulating key bodily functions