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What is the main function of the autonomic nervous system?
  • A
    Regulation of vital functions.
  • B
    Control of body motion.
  • C
    Control of reflexes.
  • D
    Regulation of information processing.

Refer to figure.

THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

The nervous system is comprised of two major parts, or subdivisions, the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The Central Nervous System (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord, while the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) includes all of the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord and extend to other parts of the body including muscles and organs.

The CNS has various centers located within it that carry out the sensory, motor and integration of data.

The PNS is a vast network of spinal and cranial nerves that are linked to the brain and the spinal cord. It contains sensory receptors which help in processing changes in the internal and external environment. This information is sent to the CNS via afferent sensory nerves. The PNS is then subdivided into the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and the Somatic Nervous System.

  • The autonomic (ANS) has involuntary control of internal organs, blood vessels, sweating, body temperature, smooth and cardiac muscles. For example, the digestive system is controlled involuntarily as it moves food throughout the stomach and intestines;
  • The somatic (SNS) has voluntary control of skin, bones, joints, and skeletal muscle. The two systems function together, by way of nerves from the PNS entering and becoming part of the CNS, and vice versa.

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