A self-regulating division of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions having to do with the cardiovascular, digestive, reproductive and respiratory systems of the body. It is sub-divided into the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. The origin of the term ‘autonomic nervous system’ is credited to John Newport Langley (1852-1925) who coined it in 1898 and ‘parasympathetic nervous system’ in 1905.
See Adrenal cortex, Adrenal glands, Central nervous system (CNS), Epinephrine (or adrenaline), Medulla oblongata, Motoneuron, Nicotine, Parasympathetic nervous system, Peripheral nervous system, Reflex, Somatic nervous system, Sympathetic nervous system (SNS)