Autonomic Nervous System

Definition

The autonomic nervous system is a control system that acts largely unconsciously and regulates bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal.

Related terms

Sympathetic Nervous System: This is one half of the autonomic nervous system; it prepares the body for intense physical activity and is often referred to as the fight-or-flight response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System: This is another half of the autonomic nervous system; it relaxes the body and inhibits or slows many high energy functions - often referred to as rest-and-digest or feed-and-breed activities.

Homeostasis: This refers to any process that living things use to actively maintain fairly stable conditions necessary for survival.