Central Control

Definition

Central control within the context of the autonomic nervous system refers to the brain's role in regulating involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rates. It involves integration and processing of information from the body and then sending out signals to maintain homeostasis.

Related terms

Autonomic Nervous System:

The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions of muscles and glands.

Homeostasis:

The process by which organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment despite changes in external surroundings.

Sympathetic Nervous System:

A branch of the autonomic nervous system that activates what is often termed the fight or flight response