The parasympathetic system is part of the autonomic nervous system and is responsible for controlling body processes such as digestion, urination, and defecation. It is also responsible for controlling the resting and digestive functions of the body.
The organs of the parasympathetic system include the following:
- The oculomotor nerve – controls eye movements.
- The facial nerve – controls facial expressions and taste.
- The glossopharyngeal nerve – controls swallowing and saliva production.
- The vagus nerve – controls heart rate, digestion, and the muscles of the throat.
- The sacral parasympathetic outflow – controls the bladder and muscles of the pelvis.
- The pelvic splanchnic nerves – controls the digestive system and muscles of the pelvis.
- The thoracic splanchnic nerves – controls the muscles of the chest and abdomen.