Question

How does the autonomic nervous system function in the maintenance of homeostasis?

Answer 1

The autonomic nervous system contains nerves which work continuously without our conscious like heart rate, breathing etc. The autonomic nervous system contains motor nerves which connect the central nervous system to the peripheral nervous system. The autonomic nervous system helps in maintaining the stable state of physiology in humans.

Complete answer:
To solve this question, we must know about the function of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS is the system in our body which performs the function of unconscious physiology going on in our body. It controls the processes like heart rate, respiration rate, urination, sexual arousal, digestion etc. The Autonomic nervous system is controlled by the stimulus through the brain to the spinal cord and the organs. The hypothalamus acts as an integrator for the involuntary function which receives the input from the limbic system.
The ANS has two divisions which work antagonistically and help in maintaining the internal balance of the body. These systems are-
The Sympathetic-This division contains sensory neurons. Its work is to adjust our body to the stress. It controls the actions which require quick responses
Parasympathetic- This division contains cells which are found either in the brain or spinal column. The work of this system is to slow down the physiology in response to stress. It does not deal with the functions that need quick response.
These two systems help in maintaining the homeostasis of our body. The sympathetic system is known as the fight or flight system whereas the parasympathetic is considered as the rest and digest system. For example, in case of digestive system, the parasympathetic increases the peristalsis and secretion of digestive juices whereas sympathetic decreases the activity of the digestive system. In the case of the circulatory system, the sympathetic system increases the heart rate and the parasympathetic decreases the same.
Thus, these two systems work antagonistically to maintain the stable internal state of our body.

Note:
The third system of the ANS is the enteric nervous system. It is known as the second brain of the body. It functions in sensing chemical and mechanical changes in the gut. It also regulates the secretion of the gut. Many a times it is also responsible for regulating the peristalsis of the gut.