Autonomic
Autonomic
Autonomic (pronunciation: aw-toh-NOM-ik) is a term derived from the Greek words auto meaning "self" and nomos meaning "law". It refers to the part of the nervous system that controls and regulates the internal organs without any conscious recognition or effort from the individual.
Etymology
The term "autonomic" comes from the Greek auto- (self) and -nomos (law). It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the self-regulating nature of the nervous system that controls the body's internal organs.
Related Terms
- Autonomic Nervous System: The part of the nervous system responsible for control of the bodily functions not consciously directed, such as breathing, the heartbeat, and digestive processes.
- Sympathetic Nervous System: One of the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system, it is responsible for increasing heart rate, constricting blood vessels, and raising blood pressure.
- Parasympathetic Nervous System: The other main division of the autonomic nervous system, it slows the heart rate, increases intestinal and gland activity, and relaxes sphincter muscles.
- Homeostasis: The state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained by living systems. This is the condition of optimal functioning for the organism and includes many variables, such as body temperature and fluid balance, being kept within certain pre-set limits (homeostatic range).
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Autonomic
- Wikipedia's article - Autonomic
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