Autonomic nervous system function

"Autonomic nervous system function" encompasses the integrated regulation of involuntary physiological activities, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary, and glandular functions, coordinated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS comprises the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric divisions, each using distinct neurotransmitters and receptors (such as adrenergic, muscarinic, and nicotinic receptors) to effect rapid and targeted changes in organ systems in response to internal and external stimuli. It is not a single molecular entity but a complex network involving various transmitters (acetylcholine, norepinephrine, epinephrine), specific G protein-coupled receptors (e.g., adrenergic and muscarinic), and ion channels. Dysregulation of ANS function can contribute to numerous disease states and represents a key area for pharmacological intervention, though no single drug or biomolecule modulates "autonomic nervous system function" as a discrete target.

Other names

Autonomic functionAutonomic nervous system activityANS function