A&P Q..That I "should" know...

Published

Just started NS and need a refresher on what parasympathetic and sympathetic mean. Also what vasoconstriction and vasodialation mean. I looked them up in Tabers and found definitions but just need a simpler explanation of them...please???

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" reaction, i.e., coping with danger or some other stressor.

The parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system handles some of the automatic functions of the body (key is "auto"): digestion, elimination, excretion, glandular functions (i.e., resting and digesting).

Vasoconstriction is blood vessels getting smaller in diameter; vasodilation is the vessels getting larger in diameter.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

try the anatomy links on post #45 of this sticky thread:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion