Parasympathetic nervous system
The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS)is a wing of the autonomic nervous system which conserves energy in thr body and is responsible for ongoing, steady-state activity. It produces a feeling of relaxation, often with a sense of contentment—this is why it’s sometimes called the “rest-and-digest” system, in contrast to the “fight-or-flight” sympathetic nervous system. Parasympathetic activation is the normal resting state of your body and brain. These two wings of the ANS are connected like a seesaw: when one goes up, the other one goes down. Exhalation has also been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
References
- Hanson, Rick. (2009). Buddha’s Brain The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom Chapter 3. The First and Second Dart (p. 60). New Harbinger Publications: Oakland, CA
Metadata
Type:🔵 Tags: Biology / Neuroscience / Anatomy / Neuroanatomy Status:☀️