Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Nervous System | Fight or Flight

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The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are two divisions of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. They often have opposite effects on the body, helping to maintain balance and homeostasis.
Sympathetic Nervous System
The sympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the "fight or flight" system. It prepares the body to respond to perceived threats by activating a series of physiological changes. Here’s how it works:
Heart Rate: Increases to pump more blood to muscles.
Breathing Rate: Accelerates to increase oxygen intake.
Pupil Dilation: Expands to improve vision.
Digestion: Slows down to redirect energy to more immediate physical needs.
Blood Flow: Redirects blood away from the digestive system and towards muscles and vital organs.
Adrenaline Release: Stimulates the adrenal glands to release adrenaline (epinephrine), heightening alertness and energy.
The sympathetic nervous system is crucial in situations requiring rapid response and physical readiness, such as during an emergency.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
The parasympathetic nervous system is often called the "rest and digest" system. It helps the body to relax and conserve energy after the perceived threat has passed. Here’s how it works:
Heart Rate: Decreases to conserve energy.
Breathing Rate: Slows down to normal levels.
Pupil Constriction: Reduces to normalize vision.
Digestion: Stimulates to promote digestion and nutrient absorption.
Blood Flow: Redistributes blood to the digestive system and away from muscles.
Promotes Relaxation: Activates processes that conserve and restore energy, promoting relaxation and recovery.
The parasympathetic nervous system is essential for maintaining long-term health, as it allows the body to perform necessary functions like digestion and rest.
Balance and Interaction
The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems work together to maintain homeostasis. When one system is activated, the other is typically suppressed. For example, during a stressful event, the sympathetic nervous system will dominate to prepare the body for action. Once the event is over, the parasympathetic system will take over to help the body recover and return to a state of calm.
Understanding the balance and function of these systems is important for managing stress and maintaining overall health.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:18 Sympathetic Nervous System
01:33 ParaSympathetic Nervous System
03:00 Social Anxiety Program
03:25 Outro

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