OverviewThe autonomic nervous system manages body processes you don’t think about. Those processes include heartbeat, blood pressure, digestion and more.What is the autonomic nervous system?Your autonomic nervous system is a part of your overall nervous system that controls the automatic functions of your body that you need to survive. These are processes you don’t think about and that your brain manages while you’re awake or asleep. Show
Where does the autonomic nervous system fit in the overall structure of the nervous system?Your overall nervous system includes two main subsystems:
Your peripheral nervous system also has two subsystems:
FunctionWhat does the autonomic nervous system do?Your autonomic nervous system breaks down into three divisions, each with its own job:
How does the autonomic nervous system help with other organs?Much like a home needs electrical wiring to control lights and everything inside that needs power, your brain needs the autonomic nervous system’s network of nerves. These nerves are the physical connections your brain needs to control almost all of your major internal organs. Organ functions controlled through your autonomic nervous systemYour autonomic nervous system has the following effects on your body’s systems:
What are some interesting facts about the autonomic nervous system?
AnatomyWhere is it located?Your autonomic nervous system includes a network of nerves that extend throughout your head and body. Some of those nerves extend directly out from your brain, while others extend out from your spinal cord, which relays signals from your brain into those nerves. There are 12 cranial nerves, which use Roman numerals to set them apart, and your autonomic nervous system has nerve fibers in four of them. These include the third, seventh, ninth and 10th cranial nerves. They manage pupil dilation, eye focusing, tears, nasal mucus, saliva and organs in your chest and belly. Your autonomic nervous system also uses most of the 31 spinal nerves. These include spinal nerves in your thoracic (chest and upper back), lumbar (lower back) and sacral (tailbone). The spinal nerve connections are how your autonomic system controls the following:
The part of your brain that runs autonomic functions is your hypothalamus. This structure isn’t part of your autonomic nervous system, but is a key part of how it works. What is it made of?Your autonomic nervous system has a similar makeup to your overall nervous system. The main cell types are as follows, with more about them listed below:
NeuronsEach neuron consists of the following:
The dendrites on a single neuron may connect to thousands of other synapses. Some neurons are longer or shorter, depending on their location in your body and what they do. Glial cellsGlial (pronounced “glee-uhl”) cells do several different jobs. They help develop and maintain neurons when you’re young and manage how neurons work throughout your life. They shield your nervous system from infections, control the chemical balance in your nervous system and coat neurons’ axons with myelin. There are 10 times more glial cells than neurons. Conditions and DisordersWhat are the common conditions and disorders that affect the autonomic nervous system?There are many conditions and causes of autonomic neuropathy, which means damage or disease that affects your autonomic nervous system. Common examples include:
Common signs or symptoms of body organ conditions?The symptoms of autonomic nervous system conditions depend on the location of the damage. With conditions like Type 2 diabetes, the damage can happen in many places throughout your body. The most likely symptoms of autonomic nervous system damage include:
Common tests to check the health of the body organ?Several tests can help in diagnosing autonomic nervous system problems. These include:
Common treatments for the body organ?The treatments for autonomic nervous system conditions can be very specific, depending on the condition in question. Some of them might treat the condition itself or an underlying cause. Others might only treat symptoms of the condition, especially when there’s no cure or treatment for the condition. That means there isn’t a one-treatment-fits-all approach to these conditions. Medications can help with some of these conditions, but not all of them. CareHow can I prevent autonomic nervous system conditions and problems?Prevention of autonomic nervous system damage is the best way to avoid conditions that affect that system. The best preventive actions you can take include:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Your autonomic nervous system is a vital part of how you live your life. You don’t even have to think about it most of the time and it will keep doing its job. Taking care of your body, especially your nervous system, is the best way to avoid conditions that can cause autonomic nerve damage. That way, you can keep focusing on what you want to pay attention to in your life. Which division of the autonomic nervous system mobilizes the body in stressful situations?Generally, the sympathetic division does the following: Prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations—fight or flight.
What is the division of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body?Your parasympathetic nervous system is a network of nerves that relaxes your body after periods of stress or danger. It also helps run life-sustaining processes, like digestion, during times when you feel safe and relaxed.
How does the autonomic nervous system response to stressful situations?In the male anatomy, the autonomic nervous system, also known as the fight or flight response, produces testosterone and activates the sympathetic nervous system which creates arousal. Stress causes the body to release the hormone cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands.
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