What is Autonomic Nervous System? Its Parts and role in human body, major neorotransmitter associated with ANS parts i.e. Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

1. Overview of the
Autonomic Nervous System
Prepared By:
Ms. Jyoti Rani
Assistant
Professor
BUEST,SPES

2. 2

3. The autonomic nervous system regulates certain body processes whereby it works automatically
(autonomously), without a person’s conscious effort., such as blood pressure and the rate of
breathing.
The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that supplies the internal
organs, including the blood vessels, stomach, intestine, liver, kidneys, bladder, genitals, lungs,
pupils, heart, and sweat, salivary, and digestive glands.
The autonomic nervous system has two main divisions:
The autonomic nervous system has two main divisions:
 Sympathetic : Its main function is to prepare the body for stressful or emergency situations—
for fight or flight.
 Parasympathetic : Its main function is to maintain normal body functions during ordinary
situations.
 These divisions work together, usually with one activating and the other inhibiting the actions
of internal organs. For example, the sympathetic division increases pulse, blood pressure, and
breathing rates, and the parasympathetic system decreases each of them.
3

4. The autonomic nervous system controls internal body processes such as the following:
 Blood pressure
 Heart and breathing rates
 Body temperature
 Digestion
Function of the ANS
Function of the ANS
 Digestion
 Metabolism (thus affecting body weight)
 The balance of water and electrolytes (such as sodium and calcium)
 The production of body fluids (saliva, sweat, and tears)
 Urination
 Defecation
 Sexual response
4

5. 5

6. 6

7. Two chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) are used to communicate within the
autonomic nervous system:
Acetylcholine: Nerve fibers that secrete acetylcholine are called cholinergic fibers.
Norepinephrine : Fibers that secrete Norepinephrine are called adrenergic fibers.
Norepinephrine : Fibers that secrete Norepinephrine are called adrenergic fibers.
Generally,
 Acetylcholine has parasympathetic (inhibiting) effects and
Norepinephrine has sympathetic (stimulating) effects.
7