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The parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) is one of the three divisions of the autonomic nervous system, the others being the sympathetic nervous system and the enteric nervous system. [1] [2] The autonomic nervous system is responsible for regulating the body's unconscious actions.
The somatic nervous system directs all voluntary movements of the skeletal muscles, and can be sub-divided into afferent and efferent neuronal flow. The autonomic nervous system is divided primarily into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems with a third system, the enteric nervous system, receiving less recognition. [2]
Parasympathetic ganglia are the autonomic ganglia of the parasympathetic nervous system. Most are small terminal ganglia or intramural ganglia, so named because they lie near or within (respectively) the organs they innervate. The exceptions are the four paired parasympathetic ganglia of the head and neck.
Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the superior salivatory nucleus of the Pons, via the chorda tympani and lingual nerve, which synapse at this ganglion. Postganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the oral mucosa and the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands. They are secretomotor to these glands.
Increased parasympathetic outflow prominently affects the heart, reducing the heart rate or, in extreme cases, completely halting heart beats. This is a common cause of fainting. [3] The parasympathetic nervous system is dominant in situations of rest and relaxation, it has an activating effect on digestive organs and a relieving one on the heart.
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The reflex, controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, involves three responses: pupil constriction, lens accommodation, and convergence. A near object (for example, a computer screen) subtends a large area in the visual field, i.e. the eyes receive light from wide angles. When moving focus from a distant to a near object, the eyes converge.
The parasympathetic nervous system kicks in to quickly drop heart rate, relax the body and conserve oxygen. Skip to main content. Sign in. Mail. 24/7 Help. For premium support please call: 800-290 ...