parasympathetic nervous system: pertaining to that part of the autonomic nervous system which usually prepares the organism to deal more effectively with a situation of peace, rest, and recovery, the functions of which contrast with or reciprocate those of the sympathetic system Paradoxically, the parasympathetic system is responsible for the physiological phenomenon of sexual arousal, but not sexual orgasm and/or ejaculation.
See also autonomic nervous system;
parasympathetic nervous system.
Dictionary of Sexology Project: Main Index