Definition:
The parasympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is responsible for helping to regulate a variety of body functions, including heart rate, breathing, sweating, and digestion.
The parasympathetic nervous system works in conjunction with another branch of the ANS, the sympathetic nervous system. Whereas the sympathetic nervous system provides quick responses to immediate needs (e.g., responses to present threats), often referred to as "fight or flight," the parasympathetic nervous system helps slow the body's reaction to allow less urgent processes (e.g., digestion) to occur.
