Drugs acting on the autonomic nervous system

Abstract

The autonomic nervous system is a coordinated motor system that consists of innervated cardiac muscle, smooth muscle, and glands. The ANS maintains homeostasis and provides a coordinated response to external stimulation. Much of homeostasis occurs involuntarily, but some autonomic processes have a degree of voluntary control (urination, sexual activity). The major components are the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. This review will focus on those aspects of the autonomic nervous system that are most crucial in the clinical assessment and treatment of disease. Many elements of the ANS, thermoregulation and the emotional component to sympathetic stimulation, for example, will be omitted.