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The parasympathetic nervous system is especially active during which physiological state?

The parasympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system whose activities in the body maintain both homeostasis and balance. It is active during the “rest and digest” physiological state. It normally serves to increase the glandular and intestinal activity, slow down the heart rate, decrease the blood pressure, as well as relax the sphincter muscles. It enhances food processing and the elimination of wastes under normal circumstances by stimulating and regulating digestion control. The neurons in this system make use of a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine that allows for communication to take place from one cell to the next. The cholinergic fibers secrete acetylcholine. The parasympathetic nervous system, therefore, brings the body to a state of low activity where food digestion, as well as resting, occurs.

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