What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system?
The sympathetic nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system and is responsible for many reflexive, involuntary body reactions. It is half of the autonomic nervous system that also helps the body to regulate its internal processes in response to the ever -changing environment and external stimuli. Sympathetic nerves work outside the central nervous system, are located primarily in the spinal cord and interact with the first part of the brain called ganglia.
When a change in an individual's environment represents a threat to its safety, a nice nervous system initiates what is commonly called combat or flight responses. This reaction prepares the body to solve the danger in one of the two ways: a position to do so or escape. In both cases, some basic, involuntary body functions such as heart rate and blood pressure are changed.
When an individual feels a dangerous or threatening situation, a nice nervous system sends signals throughout the body and says the heart and speed of breathing to makehave increased, pupils are dilated and arteries will participate in the preparation for combat or aircraft. The reaction also slows down all the digestive processes that are taking place, increase blood pressure to add more oxygen to the muscle and result in increased sweating. All these involuntary reactions allow the body to deal better with what comes next.
The sympathetic nervous system has a partner system called a parasympathetic nervous system. The first system turns on all bodily answers while the second turns them off. Once the danger passes, the parasympathetic nerves send signals to the body to reduce the heart rate and return involuntary processes back to normal. When these two systems work in conjunction, the body allows the body to adapt adequately ready to Face danger, and at the same time does not cause any permanent damage from long periods of increased activity.
When there is a failure in one of these systems, both areusually affected. Individuals who suffer from sudden dizzy spells or heart rate and blood pressure changes can develop a disorder in one of these parts of the nervous system. The worsening of the sympathetic nervous system is a common occurrence of how the individual ages, and usually manifests itself as a problem with solving stressful situations and suppressing the body's ability to increase blood pressure and heart rate in response to external stimuli.