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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
Depending on the patient, the condition can rob someone of energy, scramble the autonomic nervous system, or fog their memory, among many other symptoms.
—Sarah Boden, NPR, 25 Nov. 2024
However, the breathing techniques Ronaldo uses to control his autonomic nervous system are intentional.
—Mark Carey, The Athletic, 4 July 2024
The typical symptoms associated with long COVID-19, like brain fog, dizziness and fatigue are consistent with dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system.
—Delaney Nothaft, USA TODAY, 18 June 2024
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
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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 23 Dec. 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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