Dorsal Vagal vs. Sympathetic Vagal

Attribute	Dorsal Vagal	Sympathetic Vagal
Location	In the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve	In the sympathetic chain ganglia
Function	Regulates rest and digest functions	Involved in fight or flight response
Effects on Heart Rate	Decreases heart rate	Increases heart rate
Effects on Digestion	Stimulates digestion	Inhibits digestion

Dorsal Vagal Attributes

The dorsal vagal complex, also known as the old vagus, is a part of the parasympathetic nervous system that is responsible for regulating the body's rest and digest functions. It is located in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve in the brainstem. When activated, the dorsal vagal complex slows down heart rate, decreases blood pressure, and promotes digestion and relaxation. This branch of the vagus nerve is often associated with the freeze response in times of extreme stress or danger.

One of the key attributes of the dorsal vagal complex is its role in conserving energy and promoting restorative processes in the body. When the body is in a state of rest and digest, the dorsal vagal complex helps to conserve energy by slowing down metabolic processes and promoting digestion and nutrient absorption. This allows the body to repair and regenerate tissues, as well as store energy for future use.

Another important attribute of the dorsal vagal complex is its connection to the social engagement system in the brain. This system is responsible for promoting social interactions, bonding, and feelings of safety and connection with others. When the dorsal vagal complex is activated, it can help to regulate emotions, promote feelings of safety and trust, and facilitate social bonding and connection.

In addition, the dorsal vagal complex plays a role in regulating the body's immune response. When activated, it can help to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and support the body's immune defenses. This can be particularly important in times of illness or injury, when the body needs to focus on healing and recovery.

Overall, the dorsal vagal complex is an important part of the parasympathetic nervous system that helps to regulate the body's rest and digest functions, conserve energy, promote social bonding, and support the immune system.

Sympathetic Vagal Attributes

The sympathetic nervous system, also known as the fight or flight response, is responsible for preparing the body for action in times of stress or danger. It is activated in response to perceived threats, such as physical danger, emotional stress, or psychological stress. The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.

One of the key attributes of the sympathetic nervous system is its role in mobilizing the body's resources for action. When activated, the sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate, raises blood pressure, dilates airways, and releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. This prepares the body to respond to a perceived threat by either fighting or fleeing from the danger.

Another important attribute of the sympathetic nervous system is its role in regulating the body's energy expenditure. When activated, it increases metabolic rate, burns stored energy, and mobilizes glucose and fatty acids for energy production. This allows the body to have the necessary resources to respond to a stressful situation and sustain physical activity.

In addition, the sympathetic nervous system plays a role in regulating the body's stress response. When activated, it can help to increase alertness, focus, and vigilance, as well as suppress non-essential bodily functions such as digestion and reproduction. This allows the body to prioritize survival in times of stress and danger.

Overall, the sympathetic nervous system is an important part of the autonomic nervous system that helps to prepare the body for action in times of stress or danger, mobilize energy resources, and regulate the body's stress response.