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Related Experiment Videos

Is there anything "autonomous" in the nervous system?

Alberto A Rasia-Filho1

  • 1Fundação Faculdade Federal de Ciências Médicas, Department of Physiological Sciences (Physiology and Biophysics), and Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Postgraduation in Neuroscience, Porto Alegre, Brazil. rasiafilho@pesquisador.cmpq.br

Advances in Physiology Education
|February 17, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Current terms like "autonomous" or "vegetative" for the nervous system are misleading. A new, more accurate term is needed to reflect the integrated functions of the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and gastrointestinal divisions.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Autonomic Nervous System Research

Background:

  • The sympathetic, parasympathetic, and gastrointestinal divisions are often termed "autonomous" or "vegetative."
  • These terms can create misconceptions about the integrated nature and function of these nervous system components within an organism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate existing terminology for the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and gastrointestinal nervous system divisions.
  • To highlight the inadequacy of terms like "autonomous," "vegetative," and "homeostatic nervous system."
  • To propose the need for a new term that accurately reflects the integrated and collaborative functions of these divisions.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of current terminology.
  • Review of physiological and organizational principles of the nervous system.

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  • Discussion of alternative terms and their limitations.

    • Main Results:

    • Existing terms like "autonomous" and "vegetative" do not accurately represent the "not consciously controlled" functions, as these are not exclusive to these divisions.
    • "Homeostatic nervous system" is insufficient as not all homeostatic conditions are directly controlled by these neurons.
    • "Nervous system for visceral control" is inaccurate as it innervates more than just viscera.

    Conclusions:

    • No current term adequately describes the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and gastrointestinal divisions.
    • A new term should emphasize the integrated, collaborative functions within the whole organism, including neuroendocrine, immunological, and respiratory systems.
    • Until an appropriate term is coined, it is best to refer to these divisions by their specific names.