The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary body functions through two pathways - the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is activated during times of stress and prepares the body for "fight or flight" through increased heart rate and blood pressure. The parasympathetic nervous system acts to slow the heart rate and promote rest and digestion when not under stress or threat.
Original Description:
ANS - Sympathetic and Parasympathetic distributions
The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary body functions through two pathways - the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is activated during times of stress and prepares the body for "fight or flight" through increased heart rate and blood pressure. The parasympathetic nervous system acts to slow the heart rate and promote rest and digestion when not under stress or threat.
The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary body functions through two pathways - the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system is activated during times of stress and prepares the body for "fight or flight" through increased heart rate and blood pressure. The parasympathetic nervous system acts to slow the heart rate and promote rest and digestion when not under stress or threat.