parasympathetic
UK[ˌpærəˌsɪmpəˈθetɪk]US[ˌpærəˌsɪmpəˈθetɪk]
adj
Relating to the part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy by slowing the heart rate, increasing intestinal activity, and relaxing sphincter muscles.
n
A parasympathetic nerve.
Morpheme Breakdown
para
sympathetic
para
beside
sympathetic
relating to the sympathetic nervous system
Etymology
The term 'parasympathetic' is a modern scientific compound, coined in the early 20th century to describe a division of the autonomic nervous system. It is built from the Greek prefix 'para-' meaning "beside" or "alongside," combined with 'sympathetic,' which here refers to the previously identified sympathetic nervous system. The name literally means "beside the sympathetic," indicating its complementary and often antagonistic functional relationship to the sympathetic system. While the sympathetic system prepares the body for 'fight or flight,' the parasympathetic system is responsible for 'rest and digest' functions, a logical evolution from the concept of one system working alongside and counterbalancing the other.
Analysis
Structure: para (beside) + sympathetic (relating to the sympathetic nervous system)
para: A prefix of Greek origin meaning "beside, alongside, beyond, or contrary to."
sympathetic: An English adjective derived from 'sympathy', ultimately from Greek 'sympatheia' (fellow feeling). In this context, it refers specifically to the sympathetic nervous system.
Examples
The vagus nerve is a major component of the parasympathetic nervous system.
Parasympathetic activity promotes digestion and lowers the heart rate.
The doctor explained the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic responses.