What system is known for managing the "rest and digest" functions of the body?

The parasympathetic nervous system is known for managing the "rest and digest" functions of the body due to its role in promoting relaxation and conserving energy. This division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for stimulating processes that occur when the body is at rest, such as decreasing heart rate, increasing intestinal and gland activity, and relaxing sphincter muscles. It facilitates digestion, promotes the storage of energy, and enhances bodily functions that are not urgent or life-threatening.

In contrast, the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses, which include increasing heart rate and redirecting blood flow to muscles. The central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, processes sensory information and coordinates activities across the body but does not specifically manage rest and digest functions. The enteric nervous system governs the function of the gastrointestinal system, but it is actually a part of the parasympathetic system's influence on digestion, rather than being solely responsible for those restorative processes.