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The autonomic nervous system is the branch of the nervous system of which we are unconscious. It involves the unconscious regulation of the visceral (organ) functions that maintain homeostasis within the body. The autonomic nervous system is a module by itself, but suffice it to say here that this is the branch of the nervous system that manages all of the body's internal functions. This includes regulating heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, etc. The autonomic nervous system has two components: sympathetic and parasympathetic. The sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body to fight or flee in stressful situations, while the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body to rest and digest in relaxing situations. These systems both innervate each structure and balance one another's actions. We can be thankful that we are unconscious of the workings of the autonomic nervous system because it would be nearly impossible to remember to digest on top of everything else we think about on a daily basis. |
