The autonomic nervous system, or ANS, is a network of motor neurons that regulates the activity of smooth muscles, cardiac muscles, and glands. The ANS is ...

The sympathetic division of the ANS prepares the body for stress, physical activity, and increased energy demands. Its preganglionic fibers originate in ...

The sympathetic chains are paired ganglia located bilaterally along the spinal cord. They are synapse sites between the preganglionic and postganglionic ...

The collateral ganglia are the synapse sites between the preganglionic and postganglionic fibers that innervate the abdominal and pelvic region organs. ...

Sympathetic signaling activates the sympathetic nervous system through the interactions between neurotransmitters and their receptors on target ...

The sympathetic nervous system triggers numerous physiological changes to prepare the body for the fight-or-flight response. During rigorous physical ...

The parasympathetic division of the ANS operates during non-stressful situations, allowing for relaxation and energy conservation. It promotes digestion, ...

The cranial part of the ANS parasympathetic division consists of preganglionic fibers that originate in the brainstem and innervate various structures in ...

Parasympathetic signaling relays information from the nervous system to target organs, promoting rest, digestion, and relaxation responses. This pathway ...

Abnormal regulation of smooth muscle function is a characteristic of many autonomic nervous system disorders. The most severe of these disorders include ...