What is the Sympathetic Nervous System?
Posted on 4th February 2023 at 07:54
The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls the body's unconscious functions. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for fight or flight in response to stress or danger. This system is often referred to as the "accelerator" of the body's physiological processes.
The sympathetic nervous system is made up of a series of nerve fibres that originate in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord and extend to various organs and tissues throughout the body, just like the nerves on a leaf. These nerve fibres release chemicals called neurotransmitters, such as adrenaline and norepinephrine, into the bloodstream that bind to receptors on target cells, causing them to become more active.
SNS and regulation of blood flow
The activation of the SNS results in several physiological changes that increase the body's ability to respond to stress. One of the critical functions of the sympathetic nervous system is to increase the body's level of alertness, which is accomplished through the activation of the "adrenaline response." This response causes the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones, such as cortisol, which increase heart rate and blood pressure and prepare the body for action.
Another essential function of the sympathetic nervous system is regulating blood flow to different body parts. When the body is under stress, blood is redirected away from the digestive system and skin, towards the muscles and brain, where it is needed most. This helps the body respond more quickly and effectively to a stressful situation. It increases pupil dilation, which helps improve vision in low light conditions, and reduces the secretion of saliva, which can make breathing easier. In addition, the SNS stimulates the production of sweat, which helps regulate body temperature during physical activity.
SNS direct impact on the endocrine system
The sympathetic nervous system also plays a role in regulating the body's energy metabolism. When the body is under stress, the sympathetic nervous system stimulates the release of glucose into the bloodstream, providing the body with the energy it needs to respond to the stressor. Hence, SNS directly impacts the endocrine system, activating the release of hormones from the adrenal glands. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism, stress response, and immune system. They also play a role in regulating mood and cognitive function, as well as impacting the metabolism of glucose, protein, and fats.
SNS plays a crucial role in regulating the body's overall energy balance:
It helps to maintain a balance between energy consumption and energy production
Involved in regulating body weight and metabolism
Controlling the body's circadian rhythms of your sleep
Regulating blood sugar levels,
Controlling blood pressure, which in turn plays a role in It also plays a role in regulating the body's sexual response and the production of milk in lactating women.
Reduced sexual drive and ability to obtain an erection
Reduced production of milk in lactating mothers.
Can anything counterbalance the SNS response?
An overactive sympathetic nervous system can adversely affect the body despite its many vital functions. Chronic stress, for example, can cause the sympathetic nervous system to become overactive, leading to various health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and digestive disorders.
To counterbalance the effects of the SNS, the body also has the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS works in opposition to the SNS, and is responsible for slowing down the body's responses and returning it to a state of calm and rest. The PNS promotes relaxation and helps to conserve energy, and is particularly active during periods of rest and sleep. Hypnotherapy, Minfulness and Meditation are excellent to support your PNS.
In conclusion, the sympathetic nervous system plays a vital role in preparing the body for rapid responses to perceived or real threats. It is essential for survival, but long-term activation of the SNS can have negative consequences for the body. By working in conjunction with the parasympathetic nervous system, the SNS helps to maintain the body's overall energy balance and promote physical and psychological well-being.
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