The sympathetic nervous system is involved in the fight or flight response.

It prepares the body for

any potential danger. The sympathetic division typically functions in actions requiring quick
responses. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system is involved in maintaining
homeostasis and also, permits the rest and digest response. It aims to bring the body to a state of
calm. The parasympathetic division functions with actions that do not require immediate reaction.

The sympathetic nervous system is a faster system as it moves along very short neurons. When the
system is activated, it activates the adrenal medulla to release catecholamine hormones adrenaline
and noradrenaline and chemical receptors into the bloodstreams. The target glands and muscles get
activated. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system is a slower system and moves
along longer pathways. Preganglionic fibres from the medulla or spinal cord project ganglia close to
the target organ. They create a synapse, which eventually creates the desired response.

The sympathetic nervous system can dilate pupils and relax the ciliary muscle to the lens, allowing
more light to enter the eye and far vision while the parasympathetic nervous system can cause
constriction of the pupil and contraction of the ciliary muscle to the lens, allowing for closer vision.
The sympathetic nervous system inhibits saliva secretion while the parasympathetic nervous system
stimulates salivary gland secretion, and accelerates peristalsis.