AUTONOMIC NERVES Meaning and
Definition
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Autonomic nerves are a subset of the peripheral nervous system that plays a vital role in regulating involuntary bodily functions. They are responsible for controlling activities of various organs and tissues without conscious effort or awareness. Also referred to as the visceral or involuntary nerves, these nerves regulate functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, respiration, glandular activity, sexual function, and various metabolic activities.
The autonomic nervous system is divided into two branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic division is responsible for activating the fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate, dilating blood vessels, and preparing the body for extreme physical exertion or stress. The parasympathetic division, on the other hand, is responsible for rest and digestion. It slows heart rate, constricts blood vessels, stimulates digestion, and promotes relaxation.
Autonomic nerves consist of two types of neurons: preganglionic and postganglionic neurons. Preganglionic neurons originate in the central nervous system and transmit signals to postganglionic neurons located in peripheral ganglia. Postganglionic neurons extend from ganglia to target organs, where they release neurotransmitters to carry out their specific functions.
The autonomic nervous system operates autonomously, adjusting its activity in response to internal and external stimuli to maintain homeostasis and ensure the optimal functioning of organs and systems. Disorders of the autonomic nerves can lead to dysfunctions such as abnormal blood pressure regulation, irregular heart rate, impaired digestion, and abnormal sweating.
Common Misspellings for AUTONOMIC NERVES
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Etymology of AUTONOMIC NERVES
The word "autonomic" is derived from the Greek word "autonomos", which is a combination of "auto" meaning "self" and "nomos" meaning "law" or "governance". "Autonomos" translates to "having its own laws" or "self-governing".
The term "nerves" is derived from the Latin word "nervus", which originally referred to the tendons that connect muscles to bones. Over time, "nervus" began to encompass the entire nervous system, including both the central and peripheral nervous systems. "Nerves" specifically refers to the neural pathways that carry information to and from the central nervous system.
Therefore, "autonomic nerves" refers to the self-governing neural pathways that make up the peripheral nervous system, specifically the part responsible for controlling involuntary bodily functions.
Similar spelling word for AUTONOMIC NERVES
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