Question

Name the divisions of the autonomic nervous system.

Answer 1

Autonomic nervous system:

1. The autonomic nervous system is a part of the peripheral nervous system and comprises paired nerve fibres that run on either side of the vertebral column.
2. It controls the body's involuntary activities such as heartbeat, peristaltic movements of the gastrointestinal muscles, secretion of the salivary glands, etc.

Divisions:

The two divisions of the autonomic nervous system are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

1. Sympathetic nervous system: The sympathetic nervous system is activated during stress and prepares the body for stress conditions.
2. Parasympathetic nervous system: The parasympathetic nervous system is activated after a stressful period and brings the body's activities back to normal.