How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems affect heart rate and what are the main differences between their impacts?

The sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate by releasing norepinephrine, which stimulates the heart. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate by releasing acetylcholine, which inhibits the heart. The main difference is that the sympathetic system prepares the body for ‘fight or flight,’ while the parasympathetic system promotes ‘rest and digest.’

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