The Autonomic Nervous System
Often abbreviated as ANS, the Autonomic Nervous System is the
part of our nervous system that supplies nerve endings in the blood
vessels, intestines, heart, smooth muscles and glands. It is
responsible to govern the involuntary functioning of all these body
systems without a person’s conscious effort. When ANS doesn't
function properly, disorders may arise leading to affected body parts
or processes, which are often progressive. However, some of the
autonomic nervous system disorders can be reversed.
What is Sympathetic and Parasympathetic?
As defined above, the two main divisions of Autonomic Nervous
System (ANS) are:
1. Sympathetic ANS
2. Parasympathetic ANS
Functions of the Autonomic Nervous System
The functions of the autonomic nervous system in the body
processes can be listed as follows-
Blood pressure
Body temperature
Heart and breathing rates
Digestion
Metabolism and body weight
Keeping a balance of water and electrolytes like Na
(Sodium) and Ca (Calcium)
Production of body fluids such as saliva, tears, and sweat
Defecation
Urination
Sexual response
How Does the Autonomic Nervous System Work?
When the ANS receives information about the external environment
and the body, it responds by stimulating varied body processes,
through the sympathetic nervous system, or can also inhibit the
