autonomic nervous system

noun

: a part of the vertebrate nervous system that innervates smooth and cardiac muscle and glandular tissues and governs involuntary actions (such as secretion and peristalsis) and that consists of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system

Examples of autonomic nervous system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Depending on the patient, the condition can rob someone of energy, scramble the autonomic nervous system, or fog their memory, among many other symptoms. —Sarah Boden, NPR, 25 Nov. 2024

However, the breathing techniques Ronaldo uses to control his autonomic nervous system are intentional. —Mark Carey, The Athletic, 4 July 2024

The typical symptoms associated with long COVID-19, like brain fog, dizziness and fatigue are consistent with dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. —Delaney Nothaft, USA TODAY, 18 June 2024

The autonomic nervous system doesn't respond appropriately in people with POTS, so actions like standing and exercising are more challenging and may be accompanied by high heart rate, dizziness, or fainting. —Heidi Cope, Health, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

autonomic nervous system

noun

: the part of the vertebrate nervous system that controls involuntary actions (as heart rate and breathing) and that is made up of the sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system

Medical Definition

autonomic nervous system

noun

: a part of the vertebrate nervous system that innervates smooth and cardiac muscle and glandular tissues and governs involuntary actions (as secretion, vasoconstriction, or peristalsis) and that consists of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system

called also vegetative nervous system

compare central nervous system, peripheral nervous system