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 regulation occurs mainly during the cephalic and gastric phases of gastric secretion, when vagal stimulation prompts the secretion of pancreatic juice.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Figure 19.33 Effects of Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Stimulation on Normal Sinus Rhythm The wave of depolarization in a normal sinus rhythm shows a stable resting HR.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Parasympathetic nerve fibers from the vagus nerve and sympathetic nerve fibers from the thoracic splanchnic nerve provide extrinsic innervation to the small intestine.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013