The part of the nervous system that regulates many involuntary functions of internal organs and maintains the body’s internal balance.
The autonomic nervous system helps regulate functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, sweating, pupil size, and bladder function. It is commonly divided into the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric components.
Although these functions are largely automatic, the autonomic nervous system interacts continuously with the brain and other parts of the nervous system.
QUICK FACT
“Autonomic” does not mean completely independent of the brain; the brain continuously receives information from and regulates autonomic functions.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
Central Nervous System: consists of the brain and spinal cord; the autonomic nervous system is a functional division of the broader nervous system.
SEE ALSO