Sympathetic Nervous System vs Parasympathetic Nervous System — Difference (with Table)
Sympathetic Nervous System vs Parasympathetic Nervous System — a 7-row comparison table and 4 key points. Class 11 Biology.
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TL;DR: Sympathetic Nervous System vs Parasympathetic Nervous System — a 7-row comparison table and 4 key points. Class 11 Biology.
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The main difference between Sympathetic Nervous System and Parasympathetic Nervous System: The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are two divisions of the autonomic nervous system that have opposite effects. The sympathetic system pr
Sympathetic Nervous System vs Parasympathetic Nervous System — Comparison Table
| Basis | Sympathetic Nervous System | Parasympathetic Nervous System |
|---|---|---|
| Response Type | Fight or flight response | Rest and digest response |
| Heart Rate | Increases | Decreases |
| Digestion | Slows or stops | Increases |
| Pupil Size | Dilates (enlarges) | Constricts (shrinks) |
| Neurotransmitter | Norepinephrine and epinephrine | Acetylcholine |
| Nerve Fiber Length | Long preganglionic, short postganglionic | Short preganglionic, long postganglionic |
| Effect on Bladder | Relaxes bladder | Contracts bladder for urination |
Key Points
- Sympathetic prepares body for action; parasympathetic for rest and recovery
- Sympathetic increases heart rate and blood pressure; parasympathetic decreases them
- Both systems work together maintaining balance in body functions
- Stress activates sympathetic; relaxation activates parasympathetic