originates in the brain stem and lower part of the spinal cord; opposes physiological effects of the sympathetic nervous system: stimulates digestive secretions; slows the heart; constricts the pupils; dilates blood vessels • Syn: parasympathetic • Derivationally related forms: parasympathetic (for: parasympathetic) • Hypernyms: nervous system, systema nervosum • Part Holonyms: autonomic nervous system, ANS