The autonomic nervous system is a component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiologic processes including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sexual arousal. It contains three anatomically distinct divisions: sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric.

What nerves are in the autonomic nervous system?

The autonomic nervous system comprises two antagonistic sets of nerves, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system connects the internal organs to the brain by spinal nerves.

What are 4 nerves within the autonomic nervous system?

Cervical cardiac nerves and thoracic visceral nerves, which synapse in the sympathetic chain. Thoracic splanchnic nerves (greater, lesser, least), which synapse in the prevertebral ganglia. Lumbar splanchnic nerves, which synapse in the prevertebral ganglia.