Choose 5 activities you do daily and indicate whether the activity uses your sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system. 3 of my daily activities are reading, walking, and writing. I need help thinking of 2 more. Also- How do I determine if the activity uses the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system?
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(PDF file to download): itc.gsw.edu/faculty/gfisk/anim/autonomicns.swf
SNS arouses the body- dilates pupils, accelerates heart beat, raise blood pressure, slow your digestion, cool you with perspiration, make you alert and ready for action
PNS- calms the body- decreasing heartbeat, lowering blood sugar,contracts pupil, stimulates digestion, contracts bladder, allows blood to flow to sex organx
How does nervous system control the activity of writing?
Two additional activities you can consider are sleeping and meditating.
To determine if an activity uses the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system, you need to understand the functions of these two divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's "fight-or-flight" response, which prepares us for emergency situations. It increases heart rate, dilates the pupils, diverts blood flow to the muscles, and releases stress hormones like adrenaline.
On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's "rest-and-digest" response. It promotes relaxation, slows down the heart rate, constricts the pupils, stimulates digestion, and conserves energy.
Now let's categorize the activities:
1. Reading: Reading typically engages your parasympathetic nervous system. It is a calming and mentally stimulating activity that encourages relaxation and concentration.
2. Walking: Walking can engage both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Initially, walking may activate the sympathetic system for physical exertion, such as an increased heart rate. However, if it is a leisurely walk or accompanied by deep breathing, it can also stimulate the parasympathetic system, promoting a sense of relaxation.
3. Writing: Writing primarily engages the parasympathetic nervous system. It is a mentally focused activity that promotes relaxation and concentration, similar to reading.
4. Sleeping: Sleeping primarily engages the parasympathetic nervous system. During sleep, the body enters a state of deep relaxation and restoration, allowing the parasympathetic nervous system to dominate.
5. Meditating: Meditating primarily engages the parasympathetic nervous system. By focusing the mind, deep breathing, and promoting a calm state, meditation stimulates relaxation and helps activate the parasympathetic system.
Remember that the categorization of these activities isn't exclusive, as different individuals may experience these activities differently based on their personal response and circumstances.