Are the effects of the parasympathetic and the sympathetic systems usually the same or are they the opposite?

1 Answer
Feb 14, 2016

Opposite.

Explanation:

The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system, which is a subdivision of the peripheral nervous system, regulates the functions of internal organs by controlling glands, smooth muscle and cardiac muscle.

The sympathetic system prepares us for physical activity by increasing blood pressure and heart rate, it dilates respiratory passageways for increased breathing rates, and it stimulates sweating.

The parasympathetic division stimulates digestion, urination, and defecation. It also counteracts the effects of the sympathetic division by slowing down heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and slowing the breathing rate.

The following chart shows the effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic system on various organs.

www.austincc.edu

The diagram below is showing the effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic system on organs.

www.thermarx.com