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Autonomic Nervous System: Overview

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The human nervous system is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS contains nerve cells, clusters of nerve cells, and the sensory receptors that are outside the CNS. The PNS has two types of nerve cells: sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent). Sensory cells send signals to the CNS from receptors, and motor cells carry signals from the CNS to organs, muscles, and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Efficient Differentiation of Postganglionic Sympathetic Neurons using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells under Feeder-free and Chemically Defined Culture Conditions

Efficient Differentiation of Postganglionic Sympathetic Neurons using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells under Feeder-free and Chemically Defined Culture Conditions

Published on: May 24, 2020

The central noradrenergic system: an overview.

M Viljoen¹, A Panzer

¹Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.

African Journal of Psychiatry

|July 10, 2009

Summary

This study presents a heuristic model of the central noradrenergic system, detailing its brain projections, interactions with other neuromodulatory systems, and functions. It outlines key roles and disorders linked to noradrenergic activity.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Neurobiology
Brainstem Systems

Background:

The central noradrenergic system, part of the brainstem neuromodulatory network, was formerly known as the ascending reticular activating system.
Understanding its structure and function is crucial for comprehending brain activity.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a heuristic model of the central noradrenergic system.
To illustrate its major cerebral projections and interactions with other neuromodulatory systems.
To outline mechanisms influencing cerebral function and associated disorders.

Main Methods:

Development of a heuristic model.
Synthesis of existing knowledge on central noradrenergic system structure, function, and interactions.
Diagrammatic representation of the system.

Main Results:

A comprehensive overview of the central noradrenergic system's architecture and connectivity.
Identification of key mechanisms by which the system modulates brain function.
Summary of functions and disorders related to noradrenergic system alterations.

Conclusions:

The heuristic model provides a concise overview integrating structure, function, and inter-system interactions.
This model serves as a foundational reference for understanding the central noradrenergic system's role in brain function and dysfunction.