2007-02-05 14:52:22 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The previous answer is not right. parasympathetic activity increases peristaltic activity of the GI tract smooth muscle. sympathetic activity slows it down. also another difference is that the major sympathetic neurotransmitter is adrenaline/noradrenaline and the major parasympathetic neurotransmitter is acetylcholine. the sympathetic system is also known as fight or flight. it causes vasodilation of vessels leading to vital organs like the heart and brain, but vasoconstriction of peripheral vessels.
2007-02-05 16:54:21 · answer #1 · answered by flo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sympathetic division acts to prepare the body in stressful emergency situations, engaging all of the organism's resources to respond to a threat. The parasympathetic division acts to calm the body after the emergency situation has been resolved.
2007-02-05 15:05:14 · answer #2 · answered by Erica 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. That is for skeletal muscle.
However, for the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract, it is the opposite...sympathetic efferent nerves speed up the rate of contraction, while parasympathetic nerves slow the rate of contraction
2007-02-05 15:08:50 · answer #3 · answered by Brandon W 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To add to Flo's answer. The parasympatheic is the "feed or breed" response.
2007-02-05 17:55:01 · answer #4 · answered by nd721 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋