Biological Psychology/Anatomy of the Nervous System
Anatomy of the Nervous System edit
Divisions of the Nervous System edit
Central Nervous System (CNS) edit
Spinal Cord edit
Hindbrain edit
Midbrain edit
Forebrain edit
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) edit
Somatic Nervous System edit
Autonomic Nervous System edit
The autonomic nervous system controls all "automatic" functions, including visceral, endocrine, and homeostatic functions. It is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic system is thought of as the "fight or flight" system. Sympathetic activation involves dilation of the pupils and blood vessels, increased blood pressure, increased respiration, and a sense of "readiness". Stimulants engage this system and have similar effects. In contrast, parasympathetic activation involves contraction of pupils and blood vessels, decreased blood pressure, shallow breathing, and a sense of relaxation. Opiates engage this system. In general, the two systems balance each other, but there are exceptions.