The parasympathetic system

The parasympathetic system is the arm of the autonomic nervous system that provides rest and repair. It comes into play when danger has passed; the heart slows, the body relaxes, and restorative functions such as digestion come to the fore. Where the sympathetic system is the gas pedal, the parasympathetic system can be likened to the brake. The flexible ability of these two arms to pass into each other is a sign of a healthy nervous system. The body truly rests only when parasympathetic activity comes into play.