What is the Autonomic (Autonomous) Nervous System (ANS)?

The ANS is responsible for the body’s “tone”. This vague term “tone” has been associated with higher mental activities such as motivation, decision-making, remembering and the feeling of overall well being and joy. The autonomous nervous system (ANS) synchronizes and coordinated the function of different organs directly and by acting on and endocrine system (hormones).

Their activation and inhibition displays remarkably regular pattern. It does its work behind the scenes. ANS is responsible for the regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and digestion among other key tasks. The ANS is subdivided into two large components: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the fight-or-flight mechanism and the relaxation response.