AUTONOMIC PATHWAY Meaning and
Definition
-
Autonomic pathway refers to a part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that controls involuntary bodily functions and coordinates the activities of various organs and organ systems. The ANS consists of two main divisions, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, both of which work in tandem to maintain the body's homeostasis.
The autonomic pathway can be described as a complex network of nerves that carries signals between the central nervous system (CNS) and different organs, glands, and smooth muscles. This pathway functions independently and automatically, regulating processes such as heart rate, digestion, breathing, and temperature control without conscious effort.
The pathway involves a series of neurons that transmit messages in a two-step process. The first neuron, called the preganglionic neuron, originates in either the spinal cord or brainstem and extends to a ganglion, a cluster of nerve cell bodies. Within the ganglion, the neurons synapse with a second neuron, known as the postganglionic neuron, which carries the signal to the target organ or tissue.
The autonomic pathway operates through a balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic division generally prepares the body for stress and emergencies, while the parasympathetic division promotes relaxation, digestion, and energy conservation. This dual nature allows the autonomic pathway to finely tune bodily functions based on the body's needs.
In summary, the autonomic pathway is a vital part of the autonomic nervous system that oversees involuntary physiological processes and maintains internal balance. It consists of a network of nerves and neurons that communicate between the CNS and target organs or tissues, playing a crucial role in overall health and bodily function.
Common Misspellings for AUTONOMIC PATHWAY
- zutonomic pathway
- sutonomic pathway
- wutonomic pathway
- qutonomic pathway
- aytonomic pathway
- ahtonomic pathway
- ajtonomic pathway
- aitonomic pathway
- a8tonomic pathway
- a7tonomic pathway
- auronomic pathway
- aufonomic pathway
- augonomic pathway
- auyonomic pathway
- au6onomic pathway
- au5onomic pathway
- autinomic pathway
- autknomic pathway
- autlnomic pathway
- autpnomic pathway
Etymology of AUTONOMIC PATHWAY
The etymology of the word "autonomic pathway" can be broken down as follows:
1. Autonomic: The term "autonomic" comes from the Greek word "autonomos", which is a combination of "auto", meaning "self", and "nomos", meaning "law" or "governance". It was first used in English in the 1840s to describe physiological functions that are independent of conscious control.
2. Pathway: The word "pathway" is derived from the Middle English term "pathewai", which consists of "path" (from the Old English "paþ", meaning "path" or "track") and "way" (from the Old English "weg", meaning "road" or "journey"). It refers to a route, course, or channel along which something moves or flows.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
