Nervous system 6: the autonomic nervous system - anatomy and function
- Bayram-Weston, Zubeyde
This article has been double-blind peer reviewed
In this article…
The organisation of the autonomic nervous system
How the system's two divisions work in balance to affect body function
The effects of damage to the autonomic nervous system and how it can be controlled
Figure
NT SELF-ASSESSMENT
Test your knowledge. After reading this article go to nursingtimes.net/NTSATests If you score 80% or more, you will receive a certificate that you can use as revalidation evidence.
Key points
Complex neural pathways interconnect and relay information between the hypothalamus and the autonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system has two divisions: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system
The sympathetic division acts under physical activity or stress, while the parasympathetic division acts under conditions of rest
The physiological effects of autonomic stimulation depend on the neurotransmitters released and the nature of the target cells’ receptors
Autonomic dysfunction develops when the system’s nerves are damaged and has diverse and widespread consequences
Abstract
This article - the sixth in a series about the nervous system - discusses the function of the autonomic nervous system, which is a component of the peripheral nervous system. It regulates involuntary processes including heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, body temperature, digestive processes and urinary functions. The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.