In: Anatomy and Physiology
The parasympathetic nervous system increases the blood flow to the digestive tract. It stimulates the salivary glands, increasing the production of saliva, which helps in the initial chemical process of digestion. It also increases the process of peristalsis, which pushes the gastric content through the intestines. The parasympathetic nervous system stimulates the production of enzymes and also stimulates the process of digestion. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for body's rest and digest function.
The sympathetic nervous system directs blood away from the digestive tract, which slows down the process of digestion. The sympathetic nervous system inhibits the process of peristalsis, which makes it harder for the food to digest.