Review of Medical Physiology - William F. Ganong 2002

Functions of the Nervous System
Autonomic Nervous System
Introduction

The Organization OF THE Autonomic Nervous system, much like the somatic nervous system, is based on reflex arcs. Impulses originating in visceral receptors travel via afferent autonomic pathways to the CNS, are integrated at various levels of The Nervous System, and are transmitted via efferent pathways to visceral effectors. Particular attention must be paid to the integrity of this organization, as The Role of functionally important afferent components has often been underestimated. Visceral receptors and afferent pathways are described in Chapters 5 and 7, while the main autonomic effectors, smooth Muscles, are covered in Chapter 3. This chapter examines the efferent pathways leading to Internal Organs. The issue of autonomic integration is discussed in Chapter 14.



Last update: 10/08/2026

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