SNS and PSNS effcts on various body organ

Sympathetic
Nervous System (SNS)

Function/Activity

Parasympathetic
Nervous System (PNS)

Increases

Heart Rate

Decreases

Increases

Respiratory Rate

Decreases

Relaxes
(bronchodilation)

Bronchial Muscle

Contracts
(bronchoconstriction)

Dilates pupils (Mydriasis)

Relaxes ciliary muscle
(far vision)

Eye-

1. Pupil

2. Ciliary muscle
(eye
accommodation)

Constricts pupils (Miosis)

Contracts ciliary muscle
(near vision)

Inhibits

Salivation

Stimulates

Increases

Blood Flow
to Muscles

Decreases

Increases

Blood Pressure

Decreases

Decreases urine production

Kidney Function

Increases urine production

Relaxes bladder
(inhibits urination)

Bladder Control

Contracts bladder
(promotes urination)

Ejaculation (release of semen
from the penis)

Sexual Function
(Mnemonic: 

Pen Shoot)

Erection

Stimulates

Sweat Production

No significant effect

Stimulates
(from adrenal medulla)

Adrenaline
Release

No significant effect

Decreases/No significant
effect

Lacrimation
(Tear Production)

Stimulates

Decrease peristalsis
and tone

Gut

Increase peristalsis
and tone

Inhibits

Gastric
Secretions

Stimulates

Decreases

Skin Blood Flow

Increases

Increases

Metabolic Rate

Decreases