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.

Analogy

The autonomic nervous system is like an automatic pilot in an airplane. It controls many functions without you having to think about it or do anything consciously.

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.