Autonomic Nervous System
From Enpsychopedia
A system of neurons controlling the involuntary activity of the viscera: digestive organs, heart, lungs, kidneys, glands, etc. It has two parts, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. The stimulation of the sympathetic system mobilizes the organism by quickening respiration, heart rate, raising the blood pressure, etc. The action of the parasympathetic system is for the most part functionally reciprocal. The excitation of one system results in the inhibition of the functions controlled by the other, for instance, the increase of respiration and heart rate suspends digestion.
References
- Dabrowski, K. (1972). Psychoneurosis is Not An Illness. London: Gryf Publications. 289-306.
- Online: http://positivedisintegration.com/glos.htm