parasympathetic(n = noun.body) parasympathetic nervous system - originates in the brain stem and lower part of the spinal cord; opposes physiological effects of the sympathetic nervous system: stimulates digestive secretions; slows the heart; constricts the pupils; dilates blood vessels;
is a kind of nervous system, systema nervosum
is a part of ans, autonomic nervous system
Derived form adjective parasympathetic1
parasympathetic(a = adj.pert) - of or relating to the parasympathetic nervous system;
Derived form noun parasympathetic1
parasympathetic, adj. Anat. relating to the part of the nervous system that consists of nerves leaving the lower end of the spinal cord and connecting with those in or near the viscera (cf. SYMPATHETIC
9).
Etymology:
PARA-(1) + SYMPATHETIC, because some of these nerves run alongside sympathetic nerves