parasympathetic

American  

[par-uh-sim-puh-thet-ik] / ˌpær əˌsɪm pəˈθɛt ɪk /

adjective

Anatomy, Physiology,

1. pertaining to that part of the autonomic nervous system consisting of nerves and ganglia that arise from the cranial and sacral regions and function in opposition to the sympathetic system, as in inhibiting heartbeat or contracting the pupil of the eye.

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parasympathetic British  

/ ˌpærəˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk /

adjective

1. 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

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Etymology

Origin of parasympathetic

First recorded in 1900–05; para- ¹ + sympathetic

Example Sentences

Parasympathetic neurons are responsible for releasing norepinephrine on the target organ, whereas sympathetic neurons are responsible for releasing acetylcholine.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Parasympathetic postganglionic fibers release ACh, and the receptors on the targets are muscarinic receptors.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Parasympathetic preganglionic fibers primarily influence the heart, bronchi, and esophagus in the thoracic cavity and the stomach, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, and small intestine of the abdominal cavity.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Parasympathetic stimulation in the atria decreases the atrial kick and reduces EDV, which decreases ventricular stretch and preload, thereby further limiting the force of ventricular contraction.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Parasympathetic drugs can be either muscarinic agonists or antagonists, or have indirect effects on the cholinergic system.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013