Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Nervous System: Conclusion

00:01 Now, let's just summarize in conclusion, the main differences between the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems.

00:08 Sympathetic comes from the thoracolumbar region T1 to L3.

00:13 Parasympathetic comes from the cranial nerves and the sacrum, So specifically, the vagus nerve, but also S2 to S4.

00:21 Preganglionic neurons for the sympathetic nervous system are relatively short.

00:25 The parasympathetic ones preganglionic neurons are relatively long.

00:30 There are obviously some exceptions, but that is the general pattern.

00:33 Postganglionic sympathetic neurons are long.

00:36 Postganglionic parasympathetic neurons are short.

00:40 The ganglia for the sympathetic are in the sympathetic chain.

00:44 Abdominal prevertebral ganglia and the adrenal medulla.

00:47 The parasympathetic ganglion are within the target organs very near to the target organs that they're going to integrate.

00:55 The function of the sympathetic nervous system is one of catabolic in nature.

01:00 It's fight or flight expenditure of the body's energy and resources.

01:05 Whereas, the function of the parasympathetic is one of anabolic in nature, maintaining conservation protecting the body's resources, through rest and digest.

01:15 There's a lot to cover in the autonomic nervous system.

01:18 So hopefully, you found this video helpful.