Page 50 - My Health Bible 1
P. 50
Maria Edith
Central (Brain and Spinal cord)
Nervous system
Peripheral (nerve branches)
Somatic Autonomic
Nervous System Nervous System
Sympathetic NS Parasympathetic NS
Fig.1. The human nervous system
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is divided into two parts:
the Sympathetic part and the Parasympathetic part. See fig.1
Together, these parts manage and regulate all unconscious
movements in our body. The ANS controls the internal organic
functions, the glands, and the muscles, and works unconsciously. This
means that its function is automatic and is not directly influenced by
conscious decisions of the mind. Basic functions such as digestion,
respiration, heart functions, changes in the eyes’ pupils, excretions and
secretions of the organism and sexuality, among others, are carried out
by this system. This system is the primary mechanism for the “fight
or fly and freeze” reactions.
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