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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Slow and deep diaphragmatic breathing (from your belly instead of your chest) while stretching can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce the stress hormone cortisol, and help blood vessels widen to increase blood flow, all of which lower blood pressure, Amirian says.
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Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Deep breathing exercises help activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which tells your body to rest and digest.
—Carley Millhone, Health, 4 Oct. 2025
This inability to speak is actually a protective mechanism, the work of Dora’s parasympathetic nervous system, or the freeze response.
—Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
At the same time, playful responsiveness stimulates the vagus nerve, a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system linked to relaxation and safety.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for parasympathetic nervous system
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Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Deep breathing exercises help activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which tells your body to rest and digest.
—Carley Millhone, Health, 4 Oct. 2025
This inability to speak is actually a protective mechanism, the work of Dora’s parasympathetic nervous system, or the freeze response.
—Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2025
At the same time, playful responsiveness stimulates the vagus nerve, a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system linked to relaxation and safety.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 4 Nov. 2025.
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