Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to a division of the nervous system: Describes the part of the autonomic nervous system that generally conserves and restores bodily energy, often opposing the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.

2. Noun:

   • A specific part of the nervous system: Refers to the parasympathetic nervous system itself, a division originating in the brain stem and sacral spinal cord that promotes rest, digestion, and recovery.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The vagus nerve is a major parasympathetic pathway to the heart.
  • Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic system.

• Noun:

  • Activation of the parasympathetic slows the heart rate.
  • The parasympathetic is responsible for "rest and digest" functions.

Advanced Usage

• "parasympathetic tone": The baseline level of activity in the parasympathetic nervous system.

  • High parasympathetic tone is associated with a state of calm and good cardiovascular health.

• "parasympathetic dominance": A state where parasympathetic activity is predominant over sympathetic activity.

  • After a meal, the body enters a state of parasympathetic dominance to aid digestion.

Variants and Related Words

• Parasympathetically (adverb): In a manner relating to the parasympathetic nervous system.

  • The organ was innervated parasympathetically.

• Parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) (noun phrase): The full term for the system.

  • The parasympathetic nervous system uses acetylcholine as its chemical messenger.

Synonyms

• Cholinergic: Pertaining to or denoting nerve cells that use acetylcholine (the primary neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic system).
• Vagal: Pertaining to the vagus nerve, a primary nerve of the parasympathetic system.

Related Phrases

• "rest and digest": A common descriptive phrase for the overall function of the parasympathetic nervous system, contrasting with the sympathetic "fight or flight" response.
  • Meditation helps to activate the parasympathetic "rest and digest" state.

Adjective

1. of or relating to the parasympathetic nervous system

Noun

1. 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