sympathetic nervous system

/ sĭm′pə-thĕt′ĭk /

1. The part of the autonomic nervous system that tends to act in opposition to the parasympathetic nervous system, as by speeding up the heartbeat and causing contraction of the blood vessels. It regulates the function of the sweat glands and stimulates the secretion of glucose in the liver. The sympathetic nervous system is activated especially under conditions of stress.
2. Compare parasympathetic nervous system

Example Sentences

This brings the heat in close contact with the sympathetic nervous system whose headquarters is in the abdomen.

From Project Gutenberg

It manifests chiefly through the sympathetic nervous system which controls the vital functions.

From Project Gutenberg

These form the first traces that have come under my notice of the sympathetic nervous system.

From Project Gutenberg

That form of clairvoyance is a sensitiveness related to the sympathetic nervous system, the center of which is the solar plexus.

From Project Gutenberg

Depression and emotion may so effect the sympathetic nervous system as to cause a lowered circulatory activity.

From Project Gutenberg