The sympathetic nervous system is involved in preparing the body for stress-related activities while the parasympathetic nervous system is associated with returning the body to routine, day-to-day operations. The two systems have complementary functions, operating in tandem to maintain the body’s homeostasis. Homeostasis is a state of equilibrium, in which biological conditions are maintained at optimal levels (Lumen). A general description of the autonomic nervous system can be found here: What are the functions controlled by the autonomic nervous system unconsciously?
The following lists include not only the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic, but also the effects on the body that I have noticed happen when either system gets activated:
SYMPATHETIC:
dilated pupils
nightmares
physical tension
decreasing motility of the large intestine
itchiness, pruritus
widening bronchial passages, dilates bronchioles (breaths easily)
inhibition of the lacrimal gland and salivation
poor engagement
heart racing
paling or flushing, or alternating between both
over-arousal, energized, speeded up, hyperactivity
muscle tension (jaw/neck/shoulders)
perspiration
tense jaw/lips, muscle spams
anxiety, rumination
tachycardia, agitation, emotional reactivity
constipation, digestion slows down or stops
difficulty falling asleep
irritable, aggressive
eye strain
increase peristalsis in the esophagus
piloerection (goosebumps)
Inhibition of erection
loss of hearing
loss of peripheral vision
relaxation of the bladder
shaking
social withdrawal
dry mouth
dizziness
lightheadedness
no urination
increases orgasmic response
constriction of most blood vessels
increases metabolic rate
burning stomach
burning in chest
slows down digestion
disinhibition of spinal reflexes
dilate in skeletal muscle
increase in blood pressure
inhibits tumescence
promotes emission prior to ejaculation
PARASYMPATHETIC
cold hands or feet
constricted pupils
constricts the bronchiolar diameter
crying
defecation
diarrhea
difficulty breathing
difficulty walking
dilates blood vessels
disinhibited
dizziness, nausea
ear ringing
emotional sensitivity
increased mucous production
releases epinephrine
heart-pounding
heaviness
immature, silliness
low blood sugar symptoms
poor engagement
sadness
stimulates salivation
tightness in the chest/throat/neck
urination
vasodilation (red face)
slowed heart rate
flatulence
cramping, uneasy stomach
glassy eyes
runny nose
short breath
secrete mucus
immobility
lack of deep sleep
increases blood flow
decreases blood pressure
gastric juice secreted
increases digestion
sphincter relaxed
bladder wall contracted
increases glycogen to glucose conversion
belching
increases stomach motility
engorges the male and female genitals
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