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What Is the Autonomic Nervous System?
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the division of the nervous system that controls the body's involuntary functions — the processes that run continuously without conscious thought: heart rate, ...
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Johnson · Editorial Policy
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the division of the nervous system that controls the body's involuntary functions — the processes that run continuously without conscious thought: heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, digestion, sweating, pupil dilation, sexual arousal, and bladder control. Its name captures its essential character: autonomous, operating largely below the level of conscious awareness.
Yet despite its largely automatic function, the ANS is one of the most influential systems in the body, mediating the physiological responses to stress, danger, rest, and digestion that shape moment-to-moment health. Dysfunction of the ANS underlies conditions ranging from fainting and palpitations to orthostatic hypotension and diabetic autonomic neuropathy.
The Two Main Divisions
The ANS has two primary divisions that generally work in opposition to each other, like the accelerator and brake of a car:
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Primary Source
NIH MedlinePlus — Autonomic Nervous System DisordersMedical Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
About the Author
Dr. Emily Johnson
AI Nutritionist & Dietitian
Dr. Emily Johnson is Caraly's nutrition and dietetics educator, bringing evidence-based guidance on diet, weight management, sports nutrition, food allergies, and the science of eating well. Her content is developed in alignment with guidelines from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the CDC's dietary recommendations. In a landscape crowded with fad diets and conflicting nutritional advice, Dr. Johnson's mission is to cut through the noise and present what peer-reviewed research actually shows — with primary source citations in every article.
Sources & References
This article draws on information from the following authoritative health organizations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice.