Autonomous nervous system: main regulator of involuntary function

this Autonomous nervous system (ANS) is a critical part of the peripheral nervous system, and it goes beyond our conscious control to a large extent. The word “automatic god” originated in Greek car (self) and Nomos (Legal or Control), reflecting its role in automatically regulating body functions. It controls involuntary physiological processes including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion and gland activity. Essentially, ANS enables the body to maintain internal homeostasis and respond to changes in the internal and external environments, unintentionally aware of these adjustments.

Autonomous reactions are both reflection and emotion. For example, an increase in heart rate when anxiety or sweating in response to calorie is an autonomous function. These responses are carried out by complex neural networks and are critical for survival and adaptation.

Comparison: Somatic nervous system vs. Autonomous nervous system

The human nervous system is divided into Somatic nervous system and Autonomous nervous systemeach function has different functions:

1. Source of sensory information:

   • this Somatic nervous system It is mainly related to the external environment. It collects sensory information from the skin, skeletal muscles, and joints.

   • this Autonomous nervous systemOn the other hand, monitor internal body functions. It receives input from internal organs such as the heart, lungs, and digestive system.

2. Receptor location:

   • In somatic systems, sensory receptors are located in the body surface and in the musculoskeletal system.

   • In ANS, receptors such as the stomach, lungs, and blood vessels are found in internal organs and tissues.

3. Incoming method:

   • Sensory neurons in the somatic system (income) pass Root Usually in Back corner spinal cord.

   • In ANS, afferent neurons also enter through the dorsal root, but terminate at Intermediate lateral angle (ILH) The spinal cord, an area dedicated to autonomous control.

4. Outgoing:

   • this Somatic nervous system Use a single motor neuron to connect the central nervous system (CNS) to its target: skeletal muscle.

   • this Autonomous nervous system Use one Two chains:

     • this Preneural neurons Originated in the brainstem or spinal cord (especially in ILH).

     • this Posterior neurons Resides in the autonomic ganglion and extends to the target effector organs (such as smooth muscles or glands).

5. Effector:

   • Somatic neuronal innervation Skeletal musclevoluntarily controlled.

   • Autonomous neuronal innervation Smooth muscles,,,,, Myocardial muscleand Glandsinvoluntary effector.

ANS division: sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves

ANS is divided into two main branches, each with opposite actions:

Effects on organ functions

Here is how each department affects various systems:

Neurotransmitters and receptors in ANS

Autonomous signals rely closely on chemical messengers or Neurotransmitterand their related Receptor. Understanding these is essential for mastering how drugs and various stimuli affect autonomous function.

Cholinergic system (acetylcholine-mediated)

• Preneural neurons Release in the sympathetic nerve and parasympathetic view Acetylcholine (ACH).

• Post-gangionic parasympathetic neurons Release ACH.

• The system is called Cholinergicit acts on two main types of receptors:

1. Nicotinic receptors

• Found at the autonomic ganglia, adrenal medulla and neuromuscular junctions.

• Activated by nicotine and ACH.

• Rapid synaptic propagation is mediated through ligand-gated ion channels.

2. Muscarinic receptor

• Found in the heart, smooth muscles and glands.

• Activated by drugs and ACH.

• Different depending on the organization’s impact:

  • Heart suppression (e.g., heart rate decrease),

  • Excitability (e.g., increased motility and secretion) in the gastrointestinal system.

Adrenaline-mediated system (norepinephrine)

• Post-sensory sympathetic neurons Main release Norepinephrine (norepinephrine).

• This neurotransmitter acts on Adrenaline receptorsclassified as:

• this Adrenal medullaconsidered to be modified sympathetic ganglia, release Adrenaline (adrenaline) Enter the blood and enhance the sympathetic nerve response.

in conclusion

this Autonomous nervous system It is a miracle of bioengineering, seamlessly managed involuntary activities that keep us alive and respond to the environment. Its two branches – sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves – a delicate balance between awakening and relaxation, ensuring that the body is always for movement or recovery. Understanding how these systems work can not only illuminate the complexity of human physiology, but also form the basis for many medical treatments targeting cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and neuropsychiatric diseases.

As we continue to explore ANS, its effects on emotional health, stress regulation and even immune responses become increasingly obvious. This complex network does embody the incredible ability of the human body to adapt, protect and maintain itself – not even knowing it.