The Autonomic Nervous System Basic Anatomy and Physiology

Abstract

The autonomic nervous system is instrumental in the control of most of the body’s organ systems, via a series of neural reflexes
The afferent limb of these reflexes can be from the ANS or CNS.
The efferent limb will be mediated by the sympathetic or parasympathetic divisions, which are functionally and structurally distinct.
The observed physiological effect will depend upon which neurotransmitter and receptor types are involved.
Within the ANS there are many targets for pharmacological manipulation. These will be discussed in a further tutorial.