The autonomic nervous system The involuntary, or autonomic, system maintains the internal conditions of the body by controlling the involuntary muscles in the digestive system and elsewhere, as well as heart and breathing rates, body temperature, and metabolic processes. The autonomic system is divided into two parts. The sympathetic system generally acts to elevate body activity and is involved in the so-called “ ght-or- ight” response. The parasympathetic system works in opposition to this, reducing activity to return the body to a “rest-and-digest” state. THE TOTAL LENGTH OF THE SOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM IS ABOUT 45 MILES (72 KM) Sympathetic These nerves emerge from the spinal cord in the chest and abdominal regions and connect to a chain of ganglia (nerve bundles) that run down either side of the spine. Nerves then extend out from there to the body. Parasympathetic Chiefly associated with the cranial nerves (see fa...
Dr. Sai Sudarsan is a well trained and an experienced Micro neurosurgeon and an Endo vascular neurosurgeon based in Hyderabad.