The Nervous System

The Autonomic Nervous System regulates the body's involuntary activities, and is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Sympathetic System

• Prepares body for action

• Increases heart beat

• Dilates arteries in skeletal muscles

• Slows gut movement

• Dilates bronchioles

• Causes sweat glands to secrete

• Causes hair to stand erect

• Dilates pupil

• Bladder and anal sphincters contract