[Various elements in the construction of the theory of a metasympathetic nervous system]

Structural and functional evidence determines the metasympathetic nervous system as the third, independent portion of the autonomic (vegetative) nervous system. Problems of its onto- and phylogenesis, evolutionary advances of its relative independence, interrelationship among electrical behaviour of neurons, integrative function of nets' local neurons, transmitter mechanisms in every link of the reflex arch of this level, are considered. Neurobiological properties, structural-organizational similarity to the brain nuclear formations connections of the metasympathetic nervous system with the central nervous system and its relationships with sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, are discussed. The metasympathetic system is suggested to perform basic control over the majority of visceral organs. The concept unites V. N. Tchernigovsky's theory of interoception and K. M. Bykov's theory of cortico-visceral relationships, advancing each of them.