Autonomic effects on the skin

Abstract

This chapter describes anatomy and function of the sympathetic nervous system in the skin. Sympathetic activity mainly serves maintenance of body temperature (thermoregulation). Sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity can be evaluated by quantifying vasoconstrictor reflexes. Examples of disorders leading to vasoconstrictor abnormalities are Raynaud's syndrome or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Almost unique in humans sweating is also controlled by the sympathetic activity. Sweating can be quantified using sudometry, which helps to diagnose sweating disorders like hyperhidrosis or autonomie neuropathies. More recently the role of the sympathetic nervous system for cellular and neurogenic inflammation was detected. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.