| Meaning | 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. |
|---|
| Synonym | parasympathetic nervous system |
|---|
| Part of | autonomic nervous system, ANS | The part of the nervous system of vertebrates that controls involuntary actions of the smooth muscles and heart and glands |
|---|
| Broader | nervous system, systema nervosum | The sensory and control apparatus consisting of a network of nerve cells |
|---|
| Spanish | sistema nervioso parasimpático |
|---|
| Adjectives | parasympathetic | of or relating to the parasympathetic nervous system |
|---|
