parasympathetic nervous system
[ păr′ə-sĭm′pə-thĕt′ĭk ]
Save This Word!
The part of the autonomic nervous system that tends to act in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system, as by slowing down the heartbeat and dilating the blood vessels. It regulates the function of many glands, such as those that produce tears and saliva, and stimulates motility and secretions of the digestive system. Compare sympathetic nervous system.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Words nearby parasympathetic nervous system
parastatal, parastichy, parasuicide, parasymbiosis, parasympathetic, parasympathetic nervous system, parasynapsis, parasynthesis, parasyntheton, parataniwha, parataxic
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.