🥸intro to psychology review

key term - Rest and Digest

Definition

The rest and digest response, also known as the parasympathetic nervous system, is the state of the body when it is at rest, conserving energy, and focusing on regulatory functions like digestion, urination, and sexual arousal. This is the opposite of the fight-or-flight response controlled by the sympathetic nervous system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The rest and digest response is mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes the body's resting, relaxing, and restorative functions.
  2. During the rest and digest response, the body's heart rate and blood pressure decrease, while digestion, urination, and sexual arousal are increased.
  3. The parasympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the 'feed and breed' system, as it focuses on conserving energy and promoting reproductive functions.
  4. The rest and digest response is the opposite of the fight-or-flight response controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for intense physical activity.
  5. Imbalances between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems can contribute to various health issues, such as digestive disorders, cardiovascular problems, and stress-related conditions.

Review Questions

  • Describe the key functions of the parasympathetic nervous system during the rest and digest response.
    • The parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the rest and digest response, is responsible for promoting the body's resting, relaxing, and restorative functions. During this state, the parasympathetic nervous system slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and increases digestive activity, urination, and sexual arousal. This allows the body to conserve energy and focus on essential regulatory processes, such as digestion and waste elimination, rather than preparing for intense physical activity.
  • Explain how the rest and digest response differs from the fight-or-flight response controlled by the sympathetic nervous system.
    • The rest and digest response, mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system, is the opposite of the fight-or-flight response controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. While the fight-or-flight response prepares the body for intense physical activity by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension, the rest and digest response promotes the body's resting, relaxing, and restorative functions. During the rest and digest response, the body's heart rate and blood pressure decrease, while digestion, urination, and sexual arousal are increased, allowing the body to conserve energy and focus on essential regulatory processes.
  • Analyze the potential consequences of an imbalance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, and how this can impact overall health and well-being.
    • An imbalance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems can have significant consequences for an individual's health and well-being. If the sympathetic nervous system is overly active, leading to a chronic state of fight-or-flight, it can contribute to various health issues, such as digestive disorders, cardiovascular problems, and stress-related conditions. Conversely, if the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, leading to a persistent rest and digest response, it may result in a lack of energy, reduced physical and mental alertness, and potential reproductive or sexual dysfunction. Maintaining a balanced autonomic nervous system is crucial for overall physiological and psychological health, and imbalances can be addressed through lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and, in some cases, medical interventions.

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