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

Researchers examined whether regular use could influence physiological measures associated with stress regulation, including heart rate variability, a marker of autonomic nervous system function. —Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 June 2026

The parasympathetic nervous system is the part of your autonomic nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions. —Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 June 2026

This sends a signal along sensory nerve fibers to the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch, which is the same system that regulates your heart rate, sweat response and pupil dilation. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Broader reviews show consistent activation of the autonomic nervous system and neurochemical pathways tied to mood and arousal. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for autonomic nervous system

• cryptosystem
• ecosystem
• intersystem
• multisystem
• photosystem
• subsystem

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