Exogenous

Definition

In the context of anatomy and physiology, particularly relating to the autonomic nervous system, exogenous refers to substances or influences that originate from outside the body. These can affect the body's functions by interacting with various physiological processes, including those controlled by the autonomic nervous system.

Related terms

Neurotransmitter: Chemical messengers that transmit signals across a chemical synapse from one neuron (nerve cell) to another target neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): The part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions such as heartbeat, digestion, and breathing.

Sympathetic Nervous System: A division of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response during stressful situations