parasympathetic
pronunciation
How to pronounce parasympathetic in British English:
UK [ˌpærəˌsɪmpə'θetɪk]
How to pronounce parasympathetic in American English:
US [ˌpærəˌsɪmpə'θetɪk]
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- Noun:
- originates in the brain stem and lower part of the spinal cord; opposes physiological effects of the sympathetic nervous system: stimulates digestive secretions; slows the heart; constricts the pupils; dilates blood vessels
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- Adjective:
- of or relating to the parasympathetic nervous system
Word Origin
- parasympathetic (adj.)
- 1905, from para- (1) "beside" + sympathetic.
Example
- 1. Inhibition of the parasympathetic system can therefore also cause dilation .
- 2. They work by paralyzing the parasympathetic nervous system , blocking the nerve endings .
- 3. Stimulation of the parasympathetic system , known for " rest and digest " functions , causes constriction .
- 4. For instance , this 2010 study found that " forest environments promote lower concentrations of cortisol , lower pulse rate , lower blood pressure , greater parasympathetic nerve activity , and lower sympathetic nerve activity than do city environments . "