ANS Full Form

What is the full form of ANS?

The ANS is the autonomic nervous system. The ANS is part of the peripheral nervous system. This part of the peripheral nervous system controls involuntary or smooth organs such as the lungs, stomach, intestine, pupil, kidney, salivary glands, heart, blood vessels, reproductive organs, and sweat glands. ANS helps the organs to relax as well as in flight or fight reactions during emergencies. The ANS carries reflexes from the brain stem and spinal cord to the targeted organs. The Limbic System sends autonomic regulatory input to the hypothalamus, which is situated above the brainstem.

This Story also Contains

1. What is the full form of ANS?
2. Anatomy of the ANS
3. Functions of the ANS

Anatomy of the ANS

The autonomic nervous system is further divided into

1. sympathetic nervous system

2. parasympathetic nervous system

The sympathetic nervous system responds to environmental activities either by stimulating them or by inhibiting them. This nervous system is responsible for fight-or-flight reactions, which lead to a rise in heartbeat, dilation of pupils, sweating, the release of stored energy, diarrhoea, and dilation of the urinary Sphincter.

The parasympathetic nervous system regulates body processes on a regular basis. It calms down the body, lowers blood pressure, decreases heart rate, and restores energy.

Functions of the ANS

The autonomic nervous system controls internal organs, so its functions include:

1. It regulates blood pressure.

2. It controls the heart rate.

3. It regulates the breathing rate.

4. It regulates digestion.

5. It regulates metabolism.

6. It regulates body temperature.

7. It regulates sexual desires.

8. It regulates urination.

9. It regulates defecation.

10. It manufactures saliva, tears, and sweat.

11. It maintains electrolyte and water balance.

12. It is responsible for reflex behaviors like vomiting, coughing, sneezing, swallowing, etc.