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 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 This theory explores the connections between the autonomic nervous system, emotional regulation, and social engagement behaviors. Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 5 July 2024 It's linked to CFS's effect on the autonomic nervous system, which controls everything that's automatic in the body. Rosie McCall, Health, 8 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for autonomic nervous system 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'autonomic nervous system.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 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 system

More from Merriam-Webster on autonomic nervous system

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