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parasympathetic

   Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.03 sec.
par·a·sym·pa·thet·ic  (pr-smp-thtk)
adj.
Of, relating to, or affecting the parasympathetic nervous system: parasympathetic activity; parasympathetic agents.
n.
1. The parasympathetic nervous system.
2. Any of the nerves of this system.

para·sympa·theti·cal·ly adv.

parasympathetic [ˌpærəˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk]
adj
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Anatomy) (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Physiology) Anatomy Physiol of or relating to the division of the autonomic nervous system that acts in opposition to the sympathetic system by slowing the heartbeat, constricting the bronchi of the lungs, stimulating the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, etc. Compare sympathetic [4]
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.parasympathetic - originates in the brain stem and lower part of the spinal cord; opposes physiological effects of the sympathetic nervous system: stimulates digestive secretions; slows the heart; constricts the pupils; dilates blood vessels
nervous system, systema nervosum - the sensory and control apparatus consisting of a network of nerve cells
ANS, autonomic nervous system - the part of the nervous system of vertebrates that controls involuntary actions of the smooth muscles and heart and glands
Adj.1.parasympathetic - of or relating to the parasympathetic nervous system


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The autonomic nervous system regulates the heart rate through two routes - the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
These signs indicate an overactive "fight-or-flight" sympathetic nervous system and weakened "rest-and-digest" parasympathetic system.
In nature, the countermeasure for "fight or flight" is known as the "relaxation response" or parasympathetic nervous system.
 
 
 
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