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autonomic nervous system
noun
: a part of the vertebrate nervous system that innervates smooth and cardiac muscle and glandular tissues and governs involuntary actions (such as secretion and peristalsis) and that consists of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system
Examples of autonomic nervous system in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The autonomic nervous system doesn't respond appropriately in people with POTS, so actions like standing and exercising are more challenging and may be accompanied by high heart rate, dizziness, or fainting.
—Heidi Cope, Health, 6 Nov. 2024
Breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure are all connected to our autonomic nervous system, which regulates the unconscious bodily functions that keep us alive.
—Tom Simonite, WIRED, 13 Nov. 2017
Chewing and swallowing activate the vagus nerve, which can help calm the autonomic nervous system.
—Nicole Cain, Harvard Business Review, 23 Oct. 2024
After contracting the virus in December 2022, Mir developed dysautonomia (a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system), mast cell activation syndrome (which triggers the excessive release of histamine and leads to allergy-like symptoms), and cognitive impairment.
—Asmae Fahmy, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1898, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of autonomic nervous system was
in 1898
Dictionary Entries Near autonomic nervous system
Cite this Entry
“Autonomic nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autonomic%20nervous%20system. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
autonomic nervous system
noun
: the part of the vertebrate nervous system that controls involuntary actions (as heart rate and breathing) and that is made up of the sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system
Medical Definition
autonomic nervous system
noun
: a part of the vertebrate nervous system that innervates smooth and cardiac muscle and glandular tissues and governs involuntary actions (as secretion, vasoconstriction, or peristalsis) and that consists of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system
called also vegetative nervous system
compare central nervous system, peripheral nervous systemMore from Merriam-Webster on autonomic nervous system
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about autonomic nervous system
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