The Autonomic Nervous System

The central nervous system is not a part of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is a division of the peripheral nervous system that innervates and controls involuntary bodily functions.

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's fight or flight response. This response is characterized by increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, as well as decreased digestion and salivation.

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's rest and digest response. This response is characterized by decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, as well as increased digestion and salivation.

The enteric nervous system is a division of the autonomic nervous system that innervates and controls the digestive system. It is also known as the brain of the gut.

Norepinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter released by the sympathetic nervous system. It is responsible for the body's fight or flight response.

Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic nervous system. It is responsible for the body's rest and digest response.

The heart is innervated by the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system increases the heart rate and blood pressure during the fight or flight response.

The stomach is innervated by the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases the heart rate and blood pressure during the rest and digest response.

The autonomic nervous system controls heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and other involuntary bodily functions.

The autonomic nervous system does not control voluntary movement. Voluntary movement is controlled by the somatic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system is divided into two branches: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's fight or flight response.

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's rest and digest response.

The enteric nervous system is responsible for controlling the digestive system.

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling involuntary functions.