Functions of the Autonomic Nervous System

The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system maintains internal organ homeostasis and initiates the stress response.

The parasympathetic nervous system regulates organ and gland functions during rest and is considered a slowly activated, dampening system.

The sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous systems cooperatively modulate internal physiology to maintain homeostasis.

The medulla oblongata, in the lower half of the brainstem, is the control center of the autonomic nervous system.