parasympathetic nervous system
noun
: the part of the autonomic nervous system that contains chiefly cholinergic fibers, that tends to induce secretion, to increase the tone and contractility of smooth muscle, and to slow heart rate, and that consists of a cranial and a sacral part compare sympathetic nervous system
Examples of parasympathetic nervous system in a Sentence
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Deep, slow belly breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system to counteract stress signs such as an elevated heart rate and a burst of adrenaline.
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Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 6 Nov. 2024
Some research suggests that deep breathing impacts the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the rest-and-digest response—resulting in health benefits like stress management, better sleep, and more.1
1.
—Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024
As a result, this type of exercise can help regulate the parasympathetic nervous system to induce a state of relaxation and calm.
—Bryant Richardson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
When the body can fully relax, the parasympathetic nervous system turns on.
—Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for parasympathetic nervous system 
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Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 6 Nov. 2024
Some research suggests that deep breathing impacts the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the rest-and-digest response—resulting in health benefits like stress management, better sleep, and more.1
1.
—Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024
As a result, this type of exercise can help regulate the parasympathetic nervous system to induce a state of relaxation and calm.
—Bryant Richardson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
When the body can fully relax, the parasympathetic nervous system turns on.
—Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for parasympathetic nervous system
Dictionary Entries Near parasympathetic nervous system
Cite this Entry
“Parasympathetic nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/parasympathetic%20nervous%20system. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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