Summary
Controls involuntary functions through sympathetic fight-or-flight and parasympathetic rest-and-digest branches.
In depth
Sympathetic: increases heart rate, dilates pupils and airways, diverts blood to muscles (noradrenaline). Parasympathetic: slows heart, stimulates digestion (acetylcholine, vagus nerve). Enteric nervous system in the gut works semi-independently.
The sympathetic system has short pre- and long post-ganglionic fibres; parasympathetic is the reverse. Most organs get dual innervation.
Key idea: sympathetic mobilises, parasympathetic conserves.
Frequently asked questions
What is Autonomic Nervous System?
Controls involuntary functions through sympathetic fight-or-flight and parasympathetic rest-and-digest branches.
Which area of biology covers Autonomic Nervous System, and how advanced is it?
Autonomic Nervous System is one of the 54 topics in Neuroscience. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems, Eye and Vision, Neurotransmitters.
Can you give an example of Autonomic Nervous System?
Fear causes sweaty palms and a racing heart.
What should I learn before Autonomic Nervous System?
Autonomic Nervous System is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Neuroscience that pair well with it include Nervous System, Neuron, Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems.
What topics are related to Autonomic Nervous System?
The closest topics to Autonomic Nervous System are Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems, Eye and Vision, Neurotransmitters, Brain Regions. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Autonomic Nervous System?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Autonomic Nervous System. To practise the whole of Neuroscience, use the Neuroscience quiz.
How is Autonomic Nervous System different from Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems?
Autonomic Nervous System: Controls involuntary functions through sympathetic fight-or-flight and parasympathetic rest-and-digest branches. Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems: The CNS is brain and spinal cord; the PNS is all the nerves that connect them to the body. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Autonomic Nervous System step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Neuroscience quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.