The Integrative Action of the Autonomic Nervous System: Neurobiology of Homeostasis

The autonomic nervous system is essential for bodily functions, and a balanced functioning of each aspect is crucial for life and well-being. This second edition provides an up-to-date and detailed description of the cellular and integrative organization of the system, covering both peripheral and central aspects. It exposes modern neurobiological concepts that explain why the system normally runs smoothly and why its deterioration can have disastrous consequences. The book is a valuable resource for researchers, advanced undergraduate students, clinicians, and physical therapists interested in understanding how the autonomic nervous system works.

Format: Hardback
Length: 500 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in almost every bodily function, affecting the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, sexual organs, temperature regulation, metabolism, and tissue defense. A balanced functioning of this intricate system is essential for our overall well-being. In this highly anticipated second edition, renowned experts in the field present a comprehensive and up-to-date description of the cellular and integrative organization of the autonomic nervous system, encompassing both peripheral and central aspects. The book delves into modern neurobiological concepts that shed light on why this system typically operates smoothly and the devastating consequences of its deterioration. This broad overview will captivate researchers and advanced undergraduate students studying the workings of the autonomic nervous system, as well as clinicians and physical therapists who work with systems that rely on autonomic functions.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a complex network of nerves that regulates bodily functions without conscious control. It is responsible for regulating heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, respiration, and many other processes. The ANS is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight-or-flight" response, which involves increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension in response to a perceived threat. The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, is responsible for the "rest-and-digest" response, which involves slowing down heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion in order to conserve energy.

The ANS plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis, or the balance of the body's internal environment. It is constantly monitoring and adjusting bodily functions to ensure that they are appropriate for the current situation. For example, when we are hungry, the ANS sends signals to the stomach to produce digestive enzymes and increase blood flow to the digestive tract. When we are cold, the ANS sends signals to the skin to produce sweat and increase body temperature.

However, the ANS can also be affected by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, and certain medical conditions. Stress can cause the sympathetic nervous system to become overactive, leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Anxiety can cause the parasympathetic nervous system to become overactive, leading to decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can cause the ANS to become dysfunctional, leading to problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and digestive disorders.

The autonomic nervous system is an important research area in neuroscience and medicine. Researchers are studying the mechanisms by which the ANS regulates bodily functions and how it can be affected by various factors. They are also developing new treatments for conditions that affect the ANS, such as anxiety and heart disease.

In conclusion, the autonomic nervous system is a complex and important system that plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis and regulating bodily functions. It is constantly monitoring and adjusting bodily functions to ensure that they are appropriate for the current situation. However, the ANS can also be affected by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, and certain medical conditions. Research in this area is ongoing, and new treatments are being developed to improve the health and well-being of people with conditions that affect the ANS.

Weight: 1170g
Dimension: 209 x 261 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108478632
Edition number: 2 Revised edition