Autonomic Nervous System (also known as Autonomic Nervous Systems, Nervous System, Autonomic): The ENTERIC NERVOUS SYSTEM; PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM; and SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM taken together. Generally speaking, the autonomic nervous system regulates the internal environment during both peaceful activity and

NIH MeSH · D001341Anatomy

Autonomic Nervous System

Also known asAutonomic Nervous Systems · Nervous System, Autonomic · Nervous Systems, Autonomic · System, Autonomic Nervous · Systems, Autonomic Nervous · Vegetative Nervous System · Nervous Systems, Vegetative · Nervous System, Vegetative · Systems, Vegetative Nervous · System, Vegetative Nervous · Vegetative Nervous Systems · Visceral Nervous System

Definition

The ENTERIC NERVOUS SYSTEM; PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM; and SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM taken together. Generally speaking, the autonomic nervous system regulates the internal environment during both peaceful activity and physical or emotional stress. Autonomic activity is controlled and integrated by the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, especially the HYPOTHALAMUS and the SOLITARY NUCLEUS, which receive information relayed from VISCERAL AFFERENTS.

MeSH classification

  • A08.800.050

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Autonomic Fibers, Postganglionic

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Autonomic Fibers, Preganglionic

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Autonomic Pathways

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Common questions about Autonomic Nervous System

What does Autonomic Nervous System mean in medicine?
The ENTERIC NERVOUS SYSTEM; PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM; and SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM taken together. Generally speaking, the autonomic nervous system regulates the internal environment during both peaceful activity and physical or emotional stress. Autonomic activity is controlled and integrated by the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, especially the HYPOTHALAMUS and the SOLITARY NUCLEUS, which receive information relayed from VISCERAL AFFERENTS. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Autonomic Nervous System known by any other names?
Yes. Autonomic Nervous System is also referred to as Autonomic Nervous Systems, Nervous System, Autonomic, Nervous Systems, Autonomic, System, Autonomic Nervous in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Autonomic Nervous System sit in the medical classification?
Autonomic Nervous System falls under the broader medical category "Anatomy" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: A08.800.050). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Autonomic Nervous System?
For a plain-language explanation of Autonomic Nervous System - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Autonomic Nervous System" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D001341) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗