Stress and the nervous system

The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that works automatically and independently of our consciousness. It controls our heart rate and breathing rate. It regulates the function of the visceral organs like the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, bladder, and reproductive organs. It does all the things that we don’t have to consciously do or control.

There are two divisions of the autonomic nervous system that the body can switch back and forth from. Both divisions evolved to regulate and protect the body and they both serve very important purposes. However, when the body remains in one division for too long, specifically the sympathetic division, problems occur.

Parasympathetic Division

The parasympathetic division is the wing of the autonomic nervous system that promotes healing and optimal function. It is also known as the “rest, digest, and repair” nervous system. When the body is primarily in the parasympathetic mode, the organs and tissues receive a rich supply of nutrients, perform their regular functions optimally, and regenerate. The parasympathetic is the mode your body is in when you feel most relaxed, at peace, and in deep sleep. The more time you spend in parasympathetic dominance the better the organs and tissues function.

Sympathetic Division

The sympathetic division is the wing of the autonomic nervous system that allows you to make it through a crisis. It is also known as the “fight or flight” nervous system. When the body is primarily in the sympathetic mode, blood flow and resources are shunted to the muscles and periphery of the body. Stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are produced, blood pressure increases, and blood sugar rises. The core visceral organs are almost abandoned in the sympathetic mode as things like digestion, bowel movements, urination, and most non-stress hormone-related hormone production significantly decreases. The body becomes focused on preparing the body to fight or run away from a threat.

The sympathetic division evolved to protect us from physical threats, and allows humans and other mammals to survive crisis situations. The sympathetic division is one of the most important mechanisms that has allowed humans to make it this far. However, we now live in a much different world than our ancestors did 1,000, 10,000 and 50,000 years ago. We don’t face the physical threats from predators and other events like our predecessors did.

Nervous System Mammals - News


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Stress and the nervous system

by Contributed - Story: 62920 In this week's column we investigate the impact of stress on the nervous system and on the way our DNA is selected. The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that works automatically and independently



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Nervous System Mammals - Bookshelf

Development of the nervous system

Development of the nervous system

Thus, the basic features of the nervous system have been around for at least 600 million years, and appear to have been present in animals ancestral to all ...

Fundamental neuroscience

Fundamental neuroscience

CIRCADIAN TIMING IN ANIMALS IS A FUNCTION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM Generation of circadian rhythms is a regulatory function of the nervous system. ...

The comparative anatomy of the domesticated animals

The comparative anatomy of the domesticated animals

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM IN BIRDS. PABTS OF THE CEBEBBO-SPIHAL Axis.— The protective parts of the nervous centres are the same in all vertebrate animals ...

The nervous system of vertebrates

The nervous system of vertebrates

... hemispheres of man are the largest and most complex part of the nervous system. They are also proportionately larger and more complex than in animals. ...

The central nervous system, structure and function

The central nervous system, structure and function

Even from such experiments, inferences about the human nervous system must be drawn with ... Thus, even though the nervous systems in all higher mammals ...

Helpful Information Directory


About a Mammal's Nervous System | eHow.com
The nervous system works with the senses to transmit information to the mammal's brain, a process that takes less than one-hundredth of a second. ...

Nervous system - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The nervous system is an organ system containing a network of ... Even mammals, including humans, show the segmented bilaterian body plan at the level of the nervous system. ...

Nervous And Endocrine Systems Of Mammal | Animal Aqua
The nervous system and the endocrine system are closely related to one another in their function, for both serve to coordinate activity. The endocrine glands of

nervous system: Definition from Answers.com
nervous system n. The system of cells, tissues, and organs that regulates the body's responses to internal and external stimuli

Open Directory - Kids and Teens: School Time: Science: Living ...
Mammals : Humans : Nervous System (15) The Senses@ (6) Dyslexia@ (8) ... teachers who are interested in learning more about the nervous system and brain. ...
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