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Your body contains billions of nerve cells, including 100 billion in your brain and 13 and a half billion in your spinal cord.
These nerves and cells make up the human nervous system and regulate all the vital functions of the human body.
The sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system are two parts of the autonomic nervous system. This system regulates involuntary and reflexive functions as they respond to various stimuli.
Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic nervous system: do you know the differences between the two? Keep reading as we explain the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
What is the Autonomic Nervous System?
This system works without conscious effort from you.
It controls processes in the body like circulation, digestion, metabolism, blood pressure, breathing, heartbeat, and urination. These things work autonomously in the body.
What is the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)?
The SNS is the part of the autonomic nervous system that’s located near the thoracic and lumbar areas of the spinal cord.
Its main function is to control the body’s “fight or flight” response to perceived danger and threats. This system kicks in with responses like increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, sweating, faster breathing, and heightened awareness.
Part of this response is to shut down many parasympathetic reactions so that more energy can go towards the “fight or flight” response.
What is the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)?
The PNS affects the same bodily functions as the SNS but in a totally different manner. This system kicks in to slow down certain responses. Its job is to calm the body.
It puts the body in a state of rest and relaxation as it repairs itself. This system’s main function is to maintain your long-term health.
It works to keep your body’s functions in a healthy balance. It does this by increasing digestive enzymes, decreasing heart rate, constricting bronchial tubes in the lungs, and relaxing the muscles.
Follow this link to learn more information on activating the parasympathetic nervous system to prepare your body for the “fight or flight” response.
What’s the Difference?
You can think of these two systems as the body’s way to keep you in balance. As you react to a perceived threat or danger, the sympathetic nervous system kicks into action. The parasympathetic nervous system pulls you back to a state of calm.
The responses that do not have any part in your survival shut down as the other functions kick into action. The two systems counterbalance each other to keep your body’s reactions in check.
Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Nervous System: Your Questions Answered
When exploring the sympathetic vs. parasympathetic nervous system, you should come to the conclusion that you need a healthy balance between the two. The way to create and keep balance is to make sure your spinal cord and nerves are functioning as they should.
See a doctor or chiropractor if you’re having any nerve problems that may be interfering with proper responses from the two systems.
To get more information on other health topics, check out our other blogs under the health tab on our website.
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