Definition

1. Noun:
   • The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions: The autonomic nervous system is a division of the peripheral nervous system that operates largely unconsciously to regulate essential bodily processes such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and glandular secretion.

Usage

• The term is used in medical, biological, and physiological contexts to describe the system responsible for automatic, involuntary control of visceral organs.
• It is often discussed in contrast to the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The autonomic nervous system regulates the body's fight-or-flight response.
  • Damage to the autonomic nervous system can lead to problems with blood pressure regulation.
  • The sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions are two main parts of the autonomic nervous system.

Advanced Usage

• "autonomic nervous system dysfunction": a medical condition where the system fails to work properly.
  • The patient was diagnosed with autonomic nervous system dysfunction, causing dizziness and digestive issues.

Variants and Related Words

• ANS (n): A common abbreviation for the autonomic nervous system.
  • The ANS is crucial for maintaining homeostasis.
• Autonomic (adj): Relating to or affecting the autonomic nervous system.
  • The drug has significant autonomic effects.
• Sympathetic nervous system (n): A subdivision of the ANS responsible for mobilizing the body's resources under stress.
• Parasympathetic nervous system (n): A subdivision of the ANS responsible for conserving energy and promoting rest-and-digest functions.

Synonyms

• Visceral nervous system: An older, less common term for the autonomic nervous system, emphasizing its control over internal organs.
• Involuntary nervous system: A descriptive synonym highlighting its control over involuntary actions.

Related Phrases

• "autonomic control": the regulation of bodily functions by the autonomic nervous system.
  • Breathing involves both voluntary and autonomic control.
• "autonomic imbalance": a state where the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are not in harmony.
  • Chronic stress can lead to autonomic imbalance.

Noun

1. the part of the nervous system of vertebrates that controls involuntary actions of the smooth muscles and heart and glands