#autonomic_nervous_system__autonomicnervoussystem__ANS  the part of the nervous system of vertebrates that controls involuntary actions of the smooth muscles and heart and glands
  supertype:  neural_structure  a structure that is part of the nervous system
  part of:  nervous_system
  part:  autonomic_ganglion__autonomicganglion  any of the ganglia of the autonomic system whose unmyelinated fibers innervate the internal organs
  part:  sympathetic_nervous_system__sympatheticnervoussystem  originates in the thoracic regions of the spinal cord; opposes physiological effects of the parasympathetic: reduces digestive secretions; speeds the heart; contracts blood vessels
     part:  splanchnic_nerve  any of several nerves of the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system that innervate viscera and blood vessels
     part:  solar_plexus__coeliac_plexus__plexus_celiacus__abdominal_nerve_plexus  a large plexus of sympathetic nerves in the abdomen behind the stomach
     part:  alpha_receptor__alphareceptor__alpha-adrenergic_receptor__alpha-adrenoceptor__alphaadrenoceptor  receptors postulated to exist on nerve cell membranes of the sympathetic nervous system in order to explain the specificity of certain agents that affect only some sympathetic activities (such as vasoconstriction and relaxation of intestinal muscles and contraction of smooth muscles)
     part:  beta_receptor__beta-adrenergic_receptor__beta-adrenoceptor  receptors postulated to exist on nerve cell membranes of the sympathetic nervous system in order to explain the specificity of certain agents that affect only some sympathetic activities (such as vasodilation and increased heart beat)
  part:  parasympathetic_nervous_system__parasympatheticnervoussystem__parasympathetic  originates in the brain stem and lower part of the spinal cord; opposes physiological effects of the sympathetic nervous system: stimulates digestive secretions; slows the heart; constricts the pupils; dilates blood vessels

No statement uses or specializes autonomic_nervous_system; click here to add one.