The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a part of the nervous system that is generally not under conscious control.
For this reason, this segment of the nervous system is called autonomic, from two Greek words meaning “self-governing” or “independent.” The ANS is usually defined as a peripheral motor system innervating smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and some glandular tissue, although it is subject to reflex and cerebral control.
It regulates such subconscious body functions as blood pressure, heart rate, intestinal motility, and the diameter of the eye’s pupil. The ANS has unique anatomy, synaptic transmission, and effect on its various target organs. Il is the site of action of a large number of drugs and is essential for homeostasis.This chapter describes the general anatomy and function of the ANS. The specific effect of the ANS on particular target organs is described in the chapters for each of the body’s systems.
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