Name: rest and digest: parasympathetic control
Uploaded: 2019-03-11T09:21:26.000Z
Duration: 1 min 14 s
Channel: JoVE

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From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

HS-LS1-2

The Parasympathetic Nervous System

The parasympathetic nervous system restores the body during calm times when there are no threats, and is often called the rest and digest system.

It is one of the major divisions of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions by regulating the activity of smooth muscle in visceral organs, cardiac muscle in the heart, and certain glands, such as the salivary glands.

When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, signals from preganglionic neurons in the brain stem, and sacral part of the spinal cord are sent to ganglia, clusters of neuronal cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system, near the organs or glands being controlled.

Here, the message is transmitted to postganglionic neurons, which typically use the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to regulate activity of target tissues. For example, they lower heart rate, relaxing the body, and stimulate muscle contraction in the intestines and bladder, promoting digestion and excretion.

As a result, the parasympathetic system helps rebuild energy stores and maintain homeostasis at times when the body is able to rest.

the parasympathetic nervous system

<h4>Overview</h4>

The parasympathetic nervous system is one of the two major divisions of the autonomic nervous system. This parasympathetic system is responsible for regulating many unconscious functions, such as heart rate and digestion. It is composed of neurons located in both the brain and the peripheral nervous system that send their axons to target muscles, organs, and glands.

<h4>The &ldquo;Rest and Digest&rdquo; System</h4>

Activation of the parasympathetic system tends to have a relaxing effect on the body, promoting functions that replenish resources and restore homeostasis. It is therefore sometimes referred to as the &ldquo;rest and digest&rdquo; system. The parasympathetic system predominates during calm times when it is safe to devote resources to basic &ldquo;housekeeping&rdquo; functions without a threat of attack or harm.

<h4>Control of the Parasympathetic System</h4>

The parasympathetic nervous system can be activated by various parts of the brain, including the hypothalamus. Preganglionic neurons in the brainstem and sacral part of the spinal cord first send their axons out to ganglia&mdash;clusters of neuronal cell bodies&mdash;in the peripheral nervous system. These ganglia contain the connections between pre- and postganglionic neurons and are located near the organs or glands that they control. From here, postganglionic neurons send their axons onto target tissues&mdash;generally smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, or glands. Typically, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is used to regulate the activity of these targets.

Activation of the parasympathetic system causes a variety of effects on the body. It lowers heart rate and causes the pupils to constrict&mdash;restoring the body to a more relaxed state. It also stimulates digestion and excretion&mdash;for instance, by promoting salivation, peristaltic contractions in the stomach and intestines, and contraction of the bladder to expel urine. It helps rebuild energy stores by causing the pancreas to secrete more insulin. Finally, it even promotes reproduction by increasing blood flow to the genitals.

<h4>Standing Up</h4>

The control of heart rate and blood flow is essential even for mundane tasks such as standing up. People who suffer from orthostatic intolerance (OI) can experience chronic lightheadedness and fainting from the simple act of getting into an upright posture, called orthostasis. The autonomic nervous system controls the necessary changes to the vasculature and heart rate when we engage in orthostasis. In particular, the parasympathetic system is responsible for the signals that allow vasodilation&mdash;the relaxing of the muscles around lining the blood vessels&mdash;of the cerebral arteries. Improper signaling by the parasympathetic nervous system can cause loss of consciousness due to inadequate blood flow to the brain.

Overview

The parasympathetic nervous system is one of the two major divisions of the autonomic nervous system. This parasympathetic system is responsible ...

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rest and digest: parasympathetic control

The parasympathetic nervous system helps the body stay calm and return to a rested state. It is one of the two major divisions of the autonomic nervous system, which controls many unconscious functions such as heart rate and digestion. Its neurons are found in the brain and the peripheral nervous system, and they send axons to muscles, organs, and glands.

This system is often called the “rest and digest” system because it supports body processes that restore homeostasis. It is most active during calm times, when the body can focus on basic housekeeping functions instead of responding to danger. In this state, the body can use resources for recovery and maintenance.

The parasympathetic nervous system can be activated by parts of the brain, including the hypothalamus. Preganglionic neurons in the brainstem and sacral spinal cord send axons to ganglia, which are clusters of neuronal cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system. These ganglia lie near the organs or glands they control, where they link preganglionic and postganglionic neurons.

Postganglionic neurons then carry signals to target tissues, which are usually smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, or glands. The neurotransmitter acetylcholine is typically used to control these targets. When this system is active, heart rate decreases, pupils constrict, digestion and excretion increase, and the pancreas releases more insulin to help rebuild energy stores. It also increases blood flow to the genitals, which supports reproduction.

This control system is also important during standing up. People with orthostatic intolerance, or OI, can feel lightheaded or faint when they move into an upright posture, a change called orthostasis. The autonomic nervous system adjusts heart rate and blood vessels during this shift, and the parasympathetic system helps signals that allow vasodilation, or widening of the cerebral arteries. If this signaling does not work properly, the brain may not get enough blood, which can cause loss of consciousness.

Rest and Digest: Parasympathetic Control

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The parasympathetic nervous system helps the body stay calm and return to a rested state. It is one of the two major divisions of the autonomic nervous system, which controls many unconscious functions such as heart rate and digestion. Its neurons are found in the brain and the peripheral nervous system, and they send axons to muscles, organs, and glands. This system is often called the “rest and digest” system because it supports body processes that restore homeostasis. It is most active...

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key terms and concepts

Learn how the parasympathetic nervous system slows heart rate, supports digestion, and helps the body adjust when standing up.

Rest and Digest: Parasympathetic Control | JoVE K12

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Rest and Digest: Parasympathetic Control

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