Definition
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is one of two main branches or subsystems of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It originates in the thoracic and upper lumbar segments of the spinal cord and commonly – but not always – yields peripheral adjustments that are complementary to those produced by its counterpart, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
Description
The sympathetic nervous system is one of two main branches or subsystems of the autonomic nervous system, the physical system responsible for unconsciously maintaining bodily homeostasis and coordinating bodily responses. Working with the second main branch, the parasympathetic nervous system, the sympathetic nervous system regulates a wide range of functions such as blood circulation, body temperature, respiration, and digestion. Sympathetic activation commonly leads to adjustments on organs and glands that are complementary to those produced by parasympathetic activation and suitable for high activity (“fight...
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Richter, M., Wright, R.A. (2013). Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS). In: Gellman, M.D., Turner, J.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_853
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_853
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-1004-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-1005-9
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