SYMPATHETIC NERVE Meaning and
Definition
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Sympathetic nerve refers to a part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for coordinating the body's involuntary responses to stressful or emergency situations. These nerves are a subset of the peripheral nervous system and arise from the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord.
The sympathetic nerve system works in conjunction with the parasympathetic system to regulate various bodily functions. Unlike the parasympathetic system that generally promotes relaxation and conservation of energy, the sympathetic system reacts to perceived threats and triggers the so-called "fight-or-flight" response. It quickly mobilizes the body for action, enabling it to respond to or escape from potential danger.
Sympathetic nerves extend from the spinal cord to various organs, glands, and blood vessels throughout the body. When active, these nerves release neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, which bind to corresponding receptors in target tissues, ultimately leading to physiological changes. These changes may include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, dilation of the pupils, enhanced breathing rate, decreased digestion, and enhanced release of adrenaline.
Dysfunction or overstimulation of the sympathetic nerve system can lead to various medical conditions, such as hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety, panic attacks, or even autonomic dysreflexia. Conversely, understanding the intricacies of the sympathetic nerve system has allowed the development of treatments and medications that target these pathways, potentially alleviating symptoms associated with certain medical conditions.
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One of the nerves of the sympathetic nervous system.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SYMPATHETIC NERVE
- aympathetic nerve
- zympathetic nerve
- xympathetic nerve
- dympathetic nerve
- eympathetic nerve
- wympathetic nerve
- stmpathetic nerve
- sgmpathetic nerve
- shmpathetic nerve
- sumpathetic nerve
- s7mpathetic nerve
- s6mpathetic nerve
- synpathetic nerve
- sykpathetic nerve
- syjpathetic nerve
- symoathetic nerve
- symlathetic nerve
- sym-athetic nerve
- sym0athetic nerve
- sympzthetic nerve
Etymology of SYMPATHETIC NERVE
The word "sympathetic" in the context of the sympathetic nerve comes from the ancient Greek term "sympatheia", which means "fellow feeling, compassion". This term is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "syn", meaning "together" or "with", and "pathos", meaning "feeling" or "suffering". The sympathetic nerve, also known as the sympathetic nervous system, was named as such due to its role in coordinating the body's response to stress or danger, known as the "fight or flight" response.
