Answer:
During a meal, the parasympathetic nervous system stimulates digestive activity and slows heart rate. During exercise, the sympathetic nervous system inhibits digestion and increases heart rate.
<h2>What roles do the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems play in the performance of an individual?</h2>
The two components of the autonomic nervous system are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
They are not in our control and acting against their will. The activities of the heart, lungs, digestive system, urinary system, perspiration, salivation, and sexual function are all under their control.
The thoracic and lumbar spine cords are the genesis of the sympathetic nervous system.
(Lumbar outflow from the thorax)
The cranial nerves of the brain and the sacral region of the spinal cord give rise to the parasympathetic nervous system.
The cranio-sacral outflow
On the effectors that they act on, they have opposing effects. The overall overview of how they work is as follows:
- The sympathetic nervous system is what causes the "fight, flight, or fear" response. It often activates in emergency circumstances, and action is taken right away. It is heavily weighted toward the body's emergency and survival reactions to a dangerous stimuli. During sympathetic stimulation, there occurs dilation of the pupils, a rise in heart rate, dilation of the bronchi, dilation of the sweat glands, etc. It is accountable for both the retention phase of pee in the bladder and the erection phase of sexual stimulation.
- The parasympathetic nervous system is in charge of the "rest and digest" phase. It helps with digestion and the relaxation response and is primarily engaged during resting and pleasure moods. The pupils close, the pulse rate and breathing slow down, digestive juices start to secrete, and bowel movement is improved. It is in charge of ejaculation during sexual activity and aids in urination by contracting the bladder.
As a result, it is clear that the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are essential to human existence. Even while the autonomic system cannot be consciously controlled, some people who practice yoga and meditation have developed the skills necessary to gradually regulate some bodily processes, including heart rate, body temperature, and digestive processes.
