Branch of the peripheralnervoussystem that regulates the functions of internalorgans, smooth and cardiacmuscles, and glands
Autonomic nervous system
It makes involuntary, fine-tuned adjustments to the body based on signals from the central nervous system
It can change body temperature, blood flow, heart rate, and organ secretions
Sympathetic nervous system
Division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for activity and the "fight or flight" response
Parasympathetic nervous system
Division of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for "resting and digesting", maintaining the body and conserving energy
Differences between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
Sympathetic nerves originate in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine, while parasympathetic nerves originate in the brain and sacral region
Sympathetic ganglia are closer to the spinal cord, while parasympathetic ganglia are closer to the effector organs
Sympathetic preganglionic fibers are shorter, while parasympathetic preganglionic fibers are longer
The sympathetic nervous system is set up to trigger widespread responses to stress, while the parasympathetic system communicates more specifically with individual organs
The structure of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is related to their different functions
