Question

Compare and contrast the effect of the sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation on the smooth muscle of the small intestine.

Answer 1

Dear Student,

Smooth muscle is involuntary and nonstriated muscle. They are involved in pushing the food through the body by the contraction of their muscular walls.

Sympathetic stimulation causes fight or flight response.

Sympathetic stimulation causes Relaxation of the smooth muscles of the small intestine i.e., decreases motility ,inhibit peristalsis and secretion and it is also responsible for the contraction of blood vessels and gastrointestinal sphincters

On the other hand, parasympathetic system follows rest and digest phenomenon

Parasympathetic stimulation causes the Stimulation of the smooth muscles of the small intestine i.e., increases motility , stimulates peristalsis and secretion.

Hope you are clear...