The autonomic nervous system regulates the work of all human organs. Functions, significance and role of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic part of the nervous system The work of skeletal muscles is controlled by parts of the nervous system.

The human nervous system consists of neurons that perform its main functions, as well as auxiliary cells that ensure their vital activity or performance. All nerve cells are folded into special tissues located in the skull, human spine in the form of organs of the brain or spinal cord, as well as throughout the body in the form of nerves - fibers from neurons that grow from one another, intertwining many times, forming a single neural network that penetrates in every even the smallest corner of the body.

According to the structure and functions performed, it is customary to divide the entire nervous system into central (CNS) and peripheral (PNS). The central one is represented by command and analyzing centers, and the peripheral one is represented by an extensive network of neurons and their processes throughout the body.

The functions of the PNS are mostly executive, since its task is to convey information to the central nervous system from organs or receptors, to transmit orders from the central nervous system to organs, muscles and glands, and also to control the execution of these orders.

The peripheral system, in turn, consists of two subsystems: somatic and vegetative. The functions of the somatic subdivision are represented by motor activity of skeletal and motor muscles, as well as sensory (collection and delivery of information from receptors). Another somatic maintains a constant muscle tone of the skeletal muscles. The vegetative system, on the other hand, has more complex, rather managerial functions.

The functions of the ANS, in contrast to the somatic subdivision of the nervous system, do not consist in simply receiving or transmitting information from an organ to the brain and vice versa, but in controlling the unconscious work of internal organs.

The autonomic nervous system regulates the activity of all internal organs, as well as from large to the smallest glands, regulates the functioning of the muscles of hollow organs (heart, lungs, intestines, bladder, esophagus, stomach, etc.), as well as by controlling the work of internal organs can regulate the entire metabolism and homeostasis of a person as a whole.

It can be said that the ANS regulates the activity of the organism, which it carries out unconsciously, not obeying the mind.

Structure

The structure is not too different from the sympathetic, since it is represented by the same nerves, ultimately leading to the spinal cord or directly to the brain.

According to the functions performed by the neurons of the vegetative part of the peripheral system, it is conditionally divided into three subdivisions:

• The sympathetic division of the ANS is represented by nerves from neurons that excite the activity of an organ or transmit an excitatory signal from special centers located in the central nervous system.
• The parasympathetic department is arranged in exactly the same way, only instead of excitatory signals it brings inhibitory signals to the organ, which reduces the intensity of its activity.
• The metasympathetic subdivision of the vegetative division, which regulates the contraction of hollow organs, is its main difference from the somatic one and causes it to be somewhat independent from the central nervous system. It is built in the form of special microganglionic formations - sets of neurons located directly in the controlled organs, in the form of intramural ganglia - nerve nodes that control the contractility of the organ, as well as nerves connecting them to each other and to the rest of the human nervous system.

The activity of the metasymptomatic subdivision can be either independent or corrected by the somatic nervous system with the help of reflex action or hormonal, and also partially by the central nervous system, which controls the endocrine system responsible for the production of hormones.

The neural fibers of the ANS intertwine and connect with the somatic nerves, and then transmit information to the central through the main large nerves: spinal or cranial.

There is not a single large nerve that would perform only vegetative or somatic functions; this division occurs already at a smaller or, in general, cellular level.

Diseases to which she is subject

Although people divide the human nervous system into subdivisions, in fact it is a special network, each part of which is closely connected with the others and depends on them, and not only exchanges information. Diseases of the autonomic part of the whole nervous system are diseases of the PNS as a whole and are represented by either neuritis or neuralgia.

• Neuralgia is an inflammatory process in the nerve, which does not lead to its destruction, but without treatment it can turn into neuritis.
• Neuritis is an inflammation of a nerve or its injury, accompanied by the death of its cells or a violation of the integrity of the fiber.

Neuritis, in turn, is of the following types:

• Multineuritis, when a lot of nerves are affected at once.
• Polyneuritis, the cause of which is the pathology of several nerves.
• Mononeuritis - neuritis of only one nerve.

These diseases occur due to the negative impact directly on the nerve tissue caused by the following factors:

• Pinching or compression of the nerve by muscles, tissue tumors, neoplasms, overgrown ligaments or bones, aneurysms, etc.
• Hypothermia of the nerve.
• Injury to the nerve or nearby tissues.
• Infections.
• Diabetes.
• Toxic damage.
• Degenerative processes of nervous tissues, for example, multiple sclerosis.
• Lack of circulation.
• Lack of any substances, such as vitamins.
• Metabolism disorder.
• Irradiation.

In this case, polyneuritis or multineuritis usually cause the last eight causes.

In addition to neuritis and neuralgia, in the case of the ANS, there may be a pathological imbalance in the work of its sympathetic department with the parasympathetic one due to hereditary abnormalities, negative brain damage or due to brain immaturity, which is quite common in childhood, when the sympathetic and parasympathetic centers begin to take turns taking turns the top is unevenly developing, which is the norm and goes away by itself with age.

Breakdowns of the centers of the metasympathetic nervous system are extremely rare.

Consequences of disruption

The consequences of violations of the work of the ANS are in the improper performance of its functions to regulate the activity of internal organs, and as a result, to the failure of their work, which at least can be expressed in improper excretory activity by the secretory glands, for example, hypersalivation (salivation), sweating, or, conversely, a lack sweat, covering the skin with fat or lack of its production by the sebaceous glands. The consequences of disruption of the work of the ANS lead to failures in the activity of vital organs: the heart and respiratory organs, but it rarely comes to this. Severe polyneuritis usually causes small complex deviations in the functioning of internal organs, resulting in a violation of metabolism and physiological homeostasis.

It is the coordinated work of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS that carries out the main work on regulation. Violation of the fragile balance occurs quite often for various reasons and leads to wear or, conversely, to the oppression of any organ or their combination. In the case of glands that produce hormones, this can lead to not very unpleasant consequences.

Restoration of ANS functions

The neurons that make up the ANS in the same way do not know how to divide and regenerate the tissues that make up, like the cells of other parts of the human nervous system. The treatment of neuralgia and neuritis is standard, it does not differ in case of damage to the autonomic nerve fibers from damage to the somatic nerves of the human PNS.

Restoration of functions occurs according to the same principle as in any nervous tissue by redistributing responsibilities between neurons, as well as building up new processes with the remaining cells. Sometimes irretrievable loss of any functions or their failure is possible, usually this does not lead to vital pathologies, but sometimes it requires immediate intervention. Such an intervention includes stitching the damaged nerve or installing a pacemaker that regulates its contractions instead of the metasympathetic subdivision of the ANS.

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Since the ANS works in a secret mode, many are interested in what the autonomic nervous system is. In fact, it carries out very important activities within the body. Thanks to her, we breathe properly, blood circulation occurs, our hair grows, the pupils adjust to the lighting of the world around us, and hundreds of other processes take place that we do not follow. That is why the average person who has not experienced failures in this part of the nervous system does not even suspect its existence.

All work of the vegetative system is carried out by neurons within the human nervous system. Thanks to them and their signals, individual organs receive the appropriate "orders" or "messages". All signals come from the brain and spinal cord. Neurons, among other things, are responsible for the functioning of the salivary glands, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and the functioning of the heart. If you are observed, you probably noticed how in a stressful situation your stomach starts to twist, constipation appears, or vice versa, you urgently need to go to the toilet, your heart rate also increases, and saliva quickly accumulates in your mouth. This is only part of the symptoms of malfunctioning of the autonomic system.

You need to know what the autonomic nervous system consists of if you suffer from its disorder. The autonomic nervous system is divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic. We have already touched on this topic a little earlier, however, now we will consider it in more detail.

As mentioned above, the autonomic nervous system is involved in many processes. For clarity, we advise you to study the following images, which show the organs that are affected by the ANS. The general plan of the structure of the autonomic nervous system is as follows.

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The system responds to stimuli coming from outside or inside the body. Every second it performs a certain work, which we do not even know about. This is a vivid example of the fact that the body lives independently of our conscious life. So, the autonomic part of the nervous system is primarily responsible for the work of breathing, circulation, hormone levels, excretion and heartbeat. There are three types of control that this department of the nervous system exercises.

1. Point impact on individual organs, for example, on the work of the gastrointestinal tract - functional control.
2. Trophic control is responsible for the metabolism at the cellular level in individual organs of the body.
3. Vasomotor control controls the level of blood flow to a particular organ.

command centers

The two main centers that determine the value of the autonomic nervous system, from where all commands come from, are the spinal cord and the brain stem. They give the necessary signals to certain departments in order to build the work of the organs.

• The sacral and sacral centers are responsible for the functioning of the pelvic organs.
• Thoracolumbar centers are located in the spinal cord from 2-3 lumbar segments to 1 thoracic.
• Bulbar department (medulla oblongata), is responsible for the work of the facial nerves, glossopharyngeal and vagus.
• The mesencephalic region is responsible for the work of the pupillary reflex.

To make the physiology of the autonomic nervous system and its work visual, study the following picture.

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As you can see, the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions are responsible for completely opposite commands. When there are disturbances in the work of the ANS, the patient experiences certain problems with one or another organ, since the regulation does not work properly and a large number of signals are sent to a certain part of the body.

Vegetative system disorders

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Today it cannot be said that the autonomic nervous system has been fully studied, since active research and development is still underway. However, in 1991, Academician Wayne identified the main classification of disorders of the vegetative department. Modern scientists use the classification developed by American specialists.

• Disorders of the central part of the autonomic nervous system: isolated autonomic failure, Shy-Drager syndrome, Parkinson's disease.
• catecholamine disorders.
• Orthostatic tolerance disorders: postural tachycardia syndrome, orthostatic hypotension, neurogenic syncope.
• Peripheral disorders: familial dysautonomia, GBS, diabetic disorders.

Using medical terms, few people will understand the essence of diseases, so it is easier to write about the main symptoms. Those suffering from vegetative disorder react strongly to changes in the environment: humidity, fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, air temperature. There is a sharp decrease in physical activity, it is difficult for a person psychologically and emotionally.

• With damage to the hypothalamus, failures in the innervation of blood vessels and arteries are observed.
• Diseases that affect the hypothalamus (trauma, hereditary or congenital tumors, subarachnoid hemorrhage) affect thermoregulation, sexual function, and obesity is possible.
• Children sometimes have Prader-Willi syndrome: muscular hypotension, obesity, hypogonadism, slight mental retardation. Kleine-Levin syndrome: hypersexuality, drowsiness, bulimia.
• General symptoms are expressed in the manifestation of aggressiveness, malice, paroxysmal drowsiness, increased appetite and asocial instability.
• dizziness, palpitations, spasms of cerebral vessels are observed.

Dysfunction

When the malfunction of several organs is disturbed, which cannot be explained in any way by a medical doctor, most likely the patient has a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. All symptoms are the result not of physical diseases, but of nervous disorders. This dysfunction is also known as vegetovascular dystonia or neurocirculatory. All problems are related exclusively to the work of internal organs. Violation of the autonomic nervous system can manifest itself as follows.

• Hormonal imbalance;
• Overwork;
• Psycho-emotional stress;
• Depression;
• exposure to stress;
• Endocrine pathologies;
• Chronic diseases of the cardiovascular and digestive systems.

Symptoms

Interestingly, dysfunction can manifest itself in completely different ways, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Initially, the patient has to undergo many examinations in order to exclude physiological pathologies. Features of the autonomic nervous system are diverse, and therefore all symptoms should be divided into subgroups.

1. Respiratory system:

• Hyperventilation syndrome;
• Suffocation;
• Dyspnea;
• Difficulty exhaling and inhaling.

2. Heart:

• Jumps in blood pressure;
• Increased heartbeat;
• Fluctuating heart rate;
• Chest pain, discomfort.

3. Digestive organs:

• abdominal stress;
• Dyspeptic disorders;
• Belching with air;
• Increased peristalsis.

4. Mind:

• sleep disorders;
• Resentment, irritability;
• Poor concentration;
• Unreasonable worries, anxieties and fears.

5. Skin and mucous membranes:

• increased sweating;
• dry mouth;
• tingling and numbness;
• Hand tremor;
• Spotted hyperemia, redness, cyanosis of the skin.

6. Motor-support device:

• Pain in the muscles;
• Feeling of a lump in the throat;
• Motor restlessness;
• Tension headaches;
• Muscle spasms and convulsions.

7. Urogenital systems:

• Frequent urination;
• Premenstrual syndrome.

Most often, patients experience vegetative dystonia according to. This means that symptoms from several groups appear simultaneously or alternately. Mixed dystonia is also accompanied by the following symptoms:

• feeling of chills;
• Asthenia;
• Fainting, dizziness;
• Subfebrile body temperature;
• fatigue.

It is worth noting that the autonomic nervous system innervates all organs and tissues if the sympathetic department is disturbed. The parasympathetic division does not innervate skeletal muscles, receptors, the central nervous system, the walls of some vessels, the uterus, the adrenal medulla.

Centers of the autonomic nervous system

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All centers of the autonomic nervous system are located in the medulla, spinal and midbrain, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hypothalamus and reticular formation. Like everything in nature, the body is subject to a hierarchy, when the lower section is subject to a higher one. The lowest center is responsible for the regulation of physical functions, and those located above take on higher vegetative functions. Since the autonomic nervous system consists of the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions, they also have different centers, respectively.

• The sympathetic department, or rather, the first three ANS neurons are located from 3-4 segments of the lumbar to the first thoracic (the middle and medulla oblongata, the posterior nuclei of the hypothalamus and the anterior horns of the spinal cord are responsible for the work).
• The parasympathetic is located in the 2-4 segment of the sacral spinal cord (mid and medulla oblongata, anterior hypothalamus).

Picks

Analyzing the topic of vegetovascular dystonia, one cannot ignore the mediators of the autonomic nervous system. These chemical compounds play a very important role in the functioning of the entire system, as they transmit nerve impulses from cell to cell, so that the body works smoothly and harmoniously.

The first key mediator is called acetylcholine, which is responsible for the work of the parasympathetic department. Thanks to this mediator, blood pressure decreases, the work of the heart muscle is reduced, and peripheral blood vessels expand. Under the action of acetylcholine, the smooth muscles of the walls of the bronchial tree are reduced, and the motility of the gastrointestinal tract is enhanced.

The second important neurotransmitter is called norepinephrine. Thanks to his work, the motor apparatus is activated in a stressful or shock situation, mental activity increases dramatically. Since it is responsible for the work of the sympathetic department, norepinephrine regulates the level of blood pressure, narrows the lumen of blood vessels, increases blood volume, and enhances the work of the heart muscles. Unlike adrenaline, this mediator does not affect the functioning of smooth muscles, but is much more capable of narrowing blood vessels.

There is a link through which the sympathetic and parasympathetic departments coordinate with each other. The following mediators are responsible for this connection: histamine, serotonin, adrenaline and others.

ganglia

The ganglia of the autonomic nervous system also play an important role, as many nerve signals pass through them. Among other things, they are also divided into ganglia of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions (located on both sides of the spine). In the sympathetic department, depending on the localization, they are divided into prevertebral and paravertebral. The ganglia of the parasympathetic division, in contrast to the sympathetic, are located inside the organs or next to them.

reflexes

If we talk about the reflexes of the autonomic nervous system, then you should know that they are divided into trophic and functional. So, the trophic influence consists in correcting the work of some organs, and the functional one consists either in the complete inhibition of work or vice versa, in full start (irritation). Vegetative reflexes are usually divided into the following groups:

• Viscero-somatic. Excitation of the receptors of the internal organs leads to a change in the tone of the skeletal muscles.
• Viscero-visceral. In this case, irritation of the receptors of one organ leads to changes in the work of another.
• Viscero-sensory. Irritation leads to changes in the sensitivity of the skin.
• Soma-visceral. Irritation leads to a change in the work of internal organs.

As a result, we can say that the topic, as well as the features of the autonomic nervous system, are very extensive, if you delve into medical terms. However, we do not need this at all.

To cope with the violation of autonomic dysfunction, you need to follow certain rules and understand the simple essence of the work, which we have already talked about many times. Everything else needs to be known exclusively to specialists.

The above diagram of the autonomic nervous system will help you understand and understand which department is disrupted.

Autonomous, it is also the autonomic nervous system, ANS, is a part of the human nervous system that regulates internal processes, controls almost all internal organs, and is also responsible for adapting a person to new living conditions.

The main functions of the autonomic nervous system

Trophotropic - maintaining homeostasis (the constancy of the internal environment of the body, regardless of changes in external conditions). This function helps to maintain the normal functioning of the body in almost any conditions.

Within its framework, the autonomic nervous system regulates cardiac and cerebral circulation, blood pressure, respectively, body temperature, organic blood parameters (pH, sugar, hormones, and others), the activity of the glands of external and internal secretion, and the tone of the lymphatic vessels.

Ergotropic - ensuring normal physical and mental activities of the body, depending on the specific conditions of human existence at a particular point in time.

In simple words, this function enables the autonomic nervous system to mobilize the body's energy resources to save human life and health, which is necessary, for example, in an emergency situation.

At the same time, the functions of the autonomic nervous system also extend to the accumulation and “redistribution” of energy depending on the activity of a person at a particular point in time, that is, it ensures the normal rest of the body and the accumulation of strength.

Depending on the functions performed, the autonomic nervous system is divided into two sections - parasympathetic and sympathetic, and anatomically - into segmental and suprasegmental.

The structure of the autonomic nervous system. Click on the image to view in full size.

Suprasegmental division of the ANS

This is, in fact, the dominant department, giving commands to the segmental one. Depending on the situation and environmental conditions, it "turns on" the parasympathetic or sympathetic department. The suprasegmental division of the human autonomic nervous system includes the following functional units:

1. reticular formation of the brain. It contains the respiratory and centers that control the activity of the cardiovascular system, responsible for sleep and wakefulness. It is a kind of "sieve" that controls the impulses entering the brain, primarily during sleep.
2. Hypothalamus. Regulates the relationship of somatic and vegetative activity. It contains the most important centers that maintain constant and normal for the body indicators of body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, hormonal levels, as well as controlling feelings of satiety and hunger.
3. limbic system. This center controls the appearance and extinction of emotions, regulates the daily routine - sleep and wakefulness, is responsible for maintaining the species, eating and sexual behavior.

Since the centers of the suprasegmental part of the autonomic nervous system are responsible for the appearance of any emotions, both positive and negative, it is quite natural that it is quite possible to cope with the violation of autonomic regulation by controlling emotions:

• weaken or turn in a positive direction the course of various pathologies;
• relieve pain, calm down, relax;
• independently, without any medications, cope not only with psycho-emotional, but also with physical manifestations.

This is confirmed by statistical data: approximately 4 out of 5 patients diagnosed with VVD are capable of self-healing without the use of auxiliary drugs or medical procedures.

Apparently, a positive attitude and self-hypnosis help vegetative centers to independently cope with their own pathologies and save a person from unpleasant manifestations of vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Segmental division of the VNS

The segmental vegetative department is controlled by the suprasegmental one, it is a kind of "executive organ". Depending on the functions performed, the segmental division of the autonomic nervous system is divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic.

Each of them has a central and peripheral parts. The central section consists of sympathetic nuclei, located in the immediate vicinity of the spinal cord, and parasympathetic cranial and lumbar nuclei. The peripheral department includes:

1. branches, nerve fibers, vegetative branches emerging from the spinal cord and brain;
2. autonomic plexuses and their nodes;
3. sympathetic trunk with its nodes, connecting and internodal branches, sympathetic nerves;
4. terminal nodes of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.

In addition, some individual organs are "equipped" with their own plexuses and nerve endings, carry out their regulation both under the influence of the sympathetic or parasympathetic department, and autonomously. These organs include the intestines, bladder and some others, and their nerve plexuses are called the third metasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.

The sympathetic department is represented by two trunks running along the entire spine - left and right, which regulate the activity of paired organs from the corresponding side. The exception is the regulation of the activity of the heart, stomach and liver: they are controlled by two trunks at the same time.

The sympathetic department in most cases is responsible for exciting processes, it dominates when a person is awake and active. In addition, it is he who "takes responsibility" for controlling all the functions of the body in an extreme or stressful situation - it mobilizes all the forces and all the energy of the body for a decisive action in order to preserve life.

The parasympathetic autonomic nervous system acts in the opposite way to the sympathetic one. It does not excite, but inhibits internal processes, with the exception of those occurring in the organs of the digestive system. It provides regulation when the body is at rest or in a dream, and it is due to its work that the body manages to relax and accumulate strength, stock up on energy.

Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions

The autonomic nervous system controls all internal organs, and it can both stimulate their activity and relax. The sympathetic NS is responsible for stimulation. Its main functions are as follows:

1. narrowing or toning of blood vessels, acceleration of blood flow, increased blood pressure, body temperature;
2. increased heart rate, organization of additional nutrition of certain organs;
3. slowing down digestion, reducing intestinal motility, reducing the production of digestive juices;
4. reduces sphincters, reduces the secretion of glands;
5. dilates the pupil, activates short-term memory, improves attention.

Unlike the sympathetic, the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system "turns on" when the body is resting or sleeping. It slows down the physiological processes in almost all organs, concentrates on the function of accumulating energy and nutrients. It affects organs and systems as follows:

1. reduces tone, dilates blood vessels, due to which the level of blood pressure, the speed of blood movement through the body decreases, metabolic processes slow down, body temperature decreases;
2. the heart rate decreases, the nutrition of all organs and tissues in the body decreases;
3. digestion is activated: digestive juices are actively produced, intestinal motility increases - all this is necessary for the accumulation of energy;
4. the secretion of the glands increases, the sphincters relax, as a result of which the body is cleansed;
5. the pupil narrows, attention is scattered, the person feels drowsiness, weakness, lethargy and fatigue.

The normal functions of the autonomic nervous system are maintained mainly due to a kind of balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. Its violation is the first and main impetus to the development of neurocirculatory or vegetative-vascular dystonia.

All organs of our body, all physiological functions, as a rule, have stable automatism and the ability to self-regulate. Self-regulation is based on the principle of "feedback": any change in function, and even more so going beyond the limits of permissible fluctuations (for example, too much increase in blood pressure or its decrease) causes excitation of the corresponding parts of the nervous system, which send impulses-orders that normalize the activity of the organ or systems. This is carried out by the so-called vegetative, or autonomous, nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system regulates the activity of blood vessels, heart, respiratory organs, digestion, urination, endocrine glands. In addition, it regulates the nutrition of the central nervous system itself (the brain and spinal cord) and skeletal muscles.

The activity of the autonomic nervous system is subordinated to the centers located in the hypothalamus, and they, in turn, are controlled by the cerebral cortex.

The autonomic nervous system is conditionally divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic systems (or departments). The first mobilizes the body's resources in various situations that require a quick response. At this time, the activity of the digestive organs, which is not essential for the moment, is inhibited (blood supply, secretion and motility of the stomach and intestines decrease) and attack and defense reactions are activated. The content of adrenaline and glucose increases in the blood, which improves the nutrition of the muscles of the heart, brain and skeletal muscles (adrenaline dilates the blood vessels of these organs, and more blood rich in glucose enters them). At the same time, the activity of the heart quickens and intensifies, blood pressure rises, its clotting accelerates (which prevents the danger of blood loss), a frightening or cowardly facial expression appears - the palpebral fissures and pupils expand.

A feature of the reactions of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is their redundancy (i.e., the mobilization of an excess amount of reserve forces) and advanced development - they turn on at the very first danger signals.

However, if the state of excitation (and even more so overexcitation) of the sympathetic nervous system is repeated very often and persists for a long time, then instead of a beneficial effect on the body, it can be harmful. So, with frequently repeated excitation of the sympathetic department, the release into the blood of hormones that narrow the vessels of the internal organs increases. As a result, blood pressure rises.

The constant repetition of such situations can cause the development of hypertension, angina pectoris and other pathological conditions.

Therefore, many scientists consider the initial stage of hypertension as an expression of increased reactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. The connection between the overexcitation of this system and the development of hypertension, heart failure and even myocardial infarction has been confirmed in animal experiments.

The parasympathetic nervous system is activated in conditions of rest, relaxation, and a comfortable state. At this time, the movements of the stomach and intestines increase, the secretion of digestive juices, the heart works in a rarer rhythm, the rest period of the heart muscle increases, its blood supply improves, the vessels of the internal organs expand, due to which blood flow to them increases, blood pressure decreases.

Overexcitation of the parasympathetic nervous system is accompanied by various unpleasant sensations in the stomach and intestines, and even sometimes contributes to the development of gastric and duodenal ulcers. By the way, night pains in persons suffering from peptic ulcer disease are explained by increased parasympathetic activity during sleep and inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system. This is also associated with the frequent occurrence of asthma attacks during sleep.

In experiments on monkeys, it was found that stimulation of various parts of the parasympathetic system by electric current naturally caused the appearance of ulcers on the mucous membrane of the stomach or duodenum in experimental animals. The clinical picture of the experimental peptic ulcer was similar to the typical manifestations of this disease in humans. After transection of the vagus (parasympathetic) nerve, the pathological influence of the stimulus disappeared.

With frequent and prolonged activation of both parts of the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic), a combination of two pathological processes may occur: a steady increase in blood pressure (hypertension) and peptic ulcer.

Under normal conditions, in a healthy person, the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions are in a state of balanced dynamic equilibrium, which is characterized by a slight predominance of sympathetic influences. Each of them is sensitive to the slightest changes in the environment and reacts quickly to them. The balance of the divisions of the autonomic nervous system is also reflected in the mood of a person, which colors all mental phenomena. Violations of this balance not only “spoil” the mood, but also cause various painful symptoms, such as stomach and intestinal cramps, changes in the rhythm of cardiac activity, headache, nausea, and dizziness.

In the implementation of vegetative reactions, the tone of the cortex of the frontal lobes of the brain is of great importance. When it decreases, caused, for example, by mental overwork, nerve impulses coming from the internal organs can be recorded in the mind as a signal of trouble. A person mistakenly evaluates such sensations as painful (heaviness in the stomach, discomfort in the heart, etc.). With a normal tone of the cerebral cortex, impulses from the internal organs do not reach the higher parts of the brain and are not reflected in consciousness.

Under certain conditions, mental processes occurring in the cerebral cortex can have an active influence on the activity of internal organs. This was convincingly demonstrated by experiments with the development of conditioned reflex changes in the activity of the heart, the tone of blood vessels, respiration, digestion, excretion, and even blood composition. The fundamental possibility of arbitrarily changing autonomic functions was also established by observing the effects of hypnotic suggestion and self-hypnosis. Trained in a certain way, people can cause volitional expansion or constriction of blood vessels (i.e., lower or increase blood pressure), increase urination, sweat, change metabolic rate by 20-30%, reduce heart rate or increase heart rate. However, all these self-actions are by no means indifferent to the organism. For example, cases are known when an inept voluntary influence on the activity of the heart manifested itself so sharply that a person lost consciousness. And therefore, the use of such a system of self-regulation as autogenic training should be accompanied by an awareness of the seriousness and effectiveness of the method of influencing the body with a word.

The processes in the internal organs, in turn, are reflected in the state of the brain and mental activity. Everyone knows changes in mood and mental performance before and after eating, the impact on the psyche of a reduced or increased metabolism. So, with a sharp decrease in metabolism, mental lethargy appears; an increase in metabolism is usually accompanied by an acceleration of mental reactions. With full health, characterized by the dynamic constancy of the work of all physiological systems, such a mutual influence of the cerebral cortex and the vegetative sphere is expressed by a feeling of a comfortable state, inner peace. This feeling disappears not only with certain disturbances in the internal environment of the body, for example, with various diseases, but also during the period of “pre-disease”, as a result of malnutrition, hypothermia, as well as various negative emotions - fear, anger, etc.

The study of the structure and functions of the brain made it possible to understand the causes of many diseases, to remove the mystery of the “miracles of recovery” from therapeutic suggestions in a state of hypnosis and self-hypnosis, to see the unlimited possibilities of cognition and self-knowledge of the brain, the limits of which are still not known. Indeed, in the cerebral cortex, as already mentioned, there are an average of 12 billion nerve cells, each of which encloses many processes from other brain cells. This creates the prerequisites for the formation of a huge number of connections between them and is an inexhaustible reserve of brain activity. But usually a person uses a very small part of this reserve.

It has been established that the brain of primitive people was potentially capable of performing much more complex functions than was necessary only for the survival of the individual. This property of the brain is called super redundancy. Thanks to this, as well as articulate speech, people can reach the heights of knowledge and pass it on to their descendants. The superabundance of the brain is far from exhausted even in modern man, and this is the key to the future development of his mental and physical abilities.

The autonomic (autonomic) nervous system (ANS) regulates the activity of vital internal organs and body systems. The nerve fibers of the autonomic NS are located throughout the human body.

The ANS centers are located in the midbrain, diencephalon, and spinal cord. The nerves emerging from all these centers belong to two subgroups of the autonomic NS: sympathetic and parasympathetic.

Due to the fact that there are many different organs in the abdominal cavity, the activity of which is regulated by the autonomic nervous system, many nerves and nerve plexuses are also located here, for example, the so-called solar plexus runs along the aorta. The nerve plexuses in the chest regulate the functions of the heart and lungs.

Functions of the ANS

The autonomic nervous system controls the activity of the most important human organs and systems. It regulates all the functions of the heart and blood vessels, for example, when playing sports, individual muscles need more blood, therefore, when exposed to nerve impulses, the number of heart contractions increases and blood vessels expand. At the same time, the nervous system also increases breathing so that the blood can carry more oxygen to the muscles, which have a greater load. Similarly, the ANS regulates body temperature. Excess heat is removed by intense skin circulation.

By regulating the blood circulation of the pelvic organs, the ANS also regulates the sexual functions of a person. So in violation of the blood circulation of the pelvic organs in men, impotence may occur. The ANS regulates the function of urination. Its centers are in the lumbar segments and the sacrum, the spinal cord.

The nerves of the ANS regulate the movement of the muscles of the digestive system from the esophagus, stomach, intestines towards the anus.

If food needs to be digested, they stimulate the liver and pancreas to produce digestive juices. At the same time, the blood circulation of the stomach and intestines becomes more intense, and the nutrients of the food eaten and digested are immediately absorbed and distributed throughout the human body.

Sympathetic NS is connected with the spinal cord, where the bodies of the first neurons are located, the processes of which end in the nerve nodes (ganglia) of two sympathetic chains located on both sides in front of the spine. Due to the connection of ganglia with other organs, certain areas of the skin begin to hurt in some internal diseases, which facilitates diagnosis.

Automated activity

It is almost impossible to influence the functions of the autonomic nervous system, because it acts automatically, it regulates all the functions of the body, which should also operate during sleep. The mechanism of regulation of the ANS can be influenced by hypnosis or by mastering the exercises of autogenic training. Therefore, these methods are used to treat various NS disorders.

How are functions regulated?

Vegetative NS is common throughout the body. It regulates vital processes and each “mistake” made by it can be costly. The activity of the ANS is mainly automatic, involuntary, and is only slightly controlled by consciousness.

Where are the regulatory centers located?

The parasympathetic system causes pupil constriction, and the sympathetic system causes pupil dilation.

The centers of the ANS are located in the spinal cord and brain. The regulatory function is carried out through the nerve plexuses and nodes. They independently regulate some processes that are constantly occurring in the human body, but only as long as the load does not require the "intervention" of the brain. For example, the function of the muscles of the stomach and intestines is regulated in this way. The task to activate the activity of certain glands, muscles or tissues is transmitted to the nerves of the ANS in different ways, for example, the body can release the appropriate hormones, or the nerves can respond to a stimulus. An example of such a reaction is the contraction of the muscles of the walls of blood vessels in order to stop bleeding (this is important, for example, when donating blood - excitement, causing a spasm of the muscles of a blood vessel, makes this process difficult).

Do not try to influence your body's natural functions (such as your heartbeat) with autogenic training or yoga, as this can lead to serious heart rhythm disturbances.

Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system

The autonomic nervous system is represented by two divisions - sympathetic and parasympathetic. In a number of cases, the sympathetic nervous system enhances the same function of an organ, while the parasympathetic system depresses it, and vice versa for other functions and organs. For example, the sympathetic nervous system increases the heart rate, speeds up the metabolism, and weakens the peristalsis of the stomach and intestines, causing blood vessels to contract and slowing blood flow. The parasympathetic nervous system works in reverse: it stimulates digestion, blood circulation in the skin, slows down the heart rate and metabolism.

Various nerve conductors have the opposite effect on the internal organs - some weaken their functions, while others strengthen them. For example, to speed up the heartbeat during exercise and slow it down after it, the action of nerves is necessary, both stimulating the activity of the heart and slowing it down. Thus, the regulation of autonomic functions is carried out due to the coordinated action of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves.

Consequences of violations of the activities of the VNS

The consequences of a violation of the interaction of parts of the ANS are a deterioration in well-being and the development of serious diseases. Insomnia, headache, stomach pain, internal restlessness and tension, a feeling of "pressure" on the heart, fainting - all these symptoms may indicate autonomic dystonia. Sometimes autonomic disorders contribute to disorders of the menstrual cycle, as well as sexual and urinary functions. In the treatment, in addition to taking sedatives, psychotherapy or autogenic training, yoga is recommended.

Insomnia

A common cause of insomnia is a dysfunction in the regulation of the ANS. For example, if you ate heavy food for digestion or ate too much before going to bed, then the ANS stimulates not only the stomach and intestines, but also the heart and the blood vessel system.

Alcohol is very dangerous

Often people who are under stress are subjected to a functional disorder of the vegetative NS. Usually drinking alcohol helps them cope with stress. However, in the future, alcohol abuse leads to the development