Sympathetic nervous system facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sympathetic nervous system
Schematic illustration showing the sympathetic nervous system with sympathetic cord and target organs.
Latin	pars sympathica divisionis autonomici systematis nervosi

The Sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system. It becomes more active when you are stressed. It is a part of the "fight or flight" response. The sympathetic nervous system can increase heart rate; make bronchial passages wider; decrease motility (movement) of the large intestine; make blood vessels narrower; increase peristalsis in the esophagus; cause pupil dilation, piloerection (goose bumps) and perspiration (sweating); and raise blood pressure.

Other pages

• Parasympathetic nervous system
• Enteric nervous system

Images for kids

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  The sympathetic nervous system extends from the thoracic to lumbar vertebrae and has connections with the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic plexuses.

See also

In Spanish: Sistema nervioso simpático para niños