Sympathetic nervous system facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sympathetic nervous system |
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| This picture shows the sympathetic nervous system, including the sympathetic cord and the organs it connects to. | |
| Latin | pars sympathica divisionis autonomici systematis nervosi |
The Sympathetic nervous system is a special part of your autonomic nervous system. It gets super busy when you feel stressed or are in danger. Think of it as your body's 'fight or flight' alarm system! It helps your body get ready for action.
When your sympathetic nervous system kicks in, many things happen:
- It makes your heart rate go up, so blood pumps faster.
- It opens up your breathing tubes (bronchi) so you can take in more air.
- It slows down your large intestine, because digestion isn't a priority in an emergency.
- It makes your blood vessels tighter, which can raise your blood pressure.
- It can make your pupils (the black part of your eye) get bigger.
- It can give you goose bumps and make you sweat.
All these changes help you react quickly to a scary or exciting situation.
Contents
Your Body's Alarm System
The sympathetic nervous system is like a superhero that helps you in emergencies. It prepares your body to either 'fight' (deal with the danger) or 'flight' (run away from it). This system works automatically, meaning you don't have to think about it. It just happens!
How it Works
Your sympathetic nervous system uses special messengers called neurotransmitters, like adrenaline. These messengers travel to different parts of your body, telling them what to do. For example, when adrenaline reaches your heart, it tells your heart to beat faster. When it reaches your lungs, it tells them to take in more air.
When it is Active
This system is not just for big dangers. It also helps you with everyday stress, like before a big test or a sports game. It gives you that burst of energy and focus you might need. However, it's important for this system to calm down after the danger or stress is over.
Other Important Systems
Your body has other nervous systems that work with the sympathetic nervous system.
- Parasympathetic nervous system: This system is like the opposite of the sympathetic system. It helps your body 'rest and digest' after the danger is gone.
- Enteric nervous system: This system is mainly in your gut and helps control digestion.
Images for kids
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This image shows how the sympathetic nervous system reaches from your chest to your lower back, connecting to different nerve networks.
