Visceral Nervous System: Meaning, Types and Function

The visceral nervous system is a part of the peripheral nervous system. It consists of all of the nerves, plexuses, and ganglia that transmit information from and to the central nervous system, as well as the visceral organs, and it is divided into three categories.

Human Body’s Nervous System (also known as the Central Nervous System)

It is possible to divide the neurological system of the human body into two parts: the central nervous system (also known as the CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (or PNS). The central nervous system, sometimes known as the CNS, comprises the brain and spinal cord. In addition to the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system includes all nerves that are related to the CNS.

A distinction can be made between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems in terms of the peripheral nervous system.

The Somatic Nervous System (SNS) In order for the skeletal muscles to function properly, information must be transmitted from the central nervous system. A role in the voluntary control of body movement is played by this hormone. This mechanism is mediated by both afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) circuits.

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is a system that regulates the body’s internal organs. It is responsible for transmitting information from the central nervous system to involuntary or smooth muscles. It is responsible for the regulation of the functions of visceral organs such as smooth muscles and cardiac muscles. It is responsible for the regulation of the body’s involuntary functions. It is in charge of managing motor signals from the central nervous system that regulate involuntary activities within visceral organs.

Furthermore, the autonomic nervous system can be subdivided into two groups: the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system.

Visceral Nervous System (VNS) 

The visceral nervous system is a component of the peripheral nervous system. It is composed of all nerves that transfer information between the visceral organs and the central nervous system (CNS).

Sensory signals from many internal organs get to the central nervous system (CNS) via afferent nerves and trigger responses via efferent nerves.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is also known as the efferent visceral nervous system (EVNS) or the visceral nervous system (motor nervous system). It  manages the body’s autonomic processes, such as heart rate and breathing, digestive secretions, sexual arousal, flight or fight responses, as well as reflex actions, such as coughing, vomiting, swallowing, and other similar activities. Found in the  spinal cord and brain.

It is possible to divide the autonomic nervous system into two major categories. These would be :

Sympathetic Nervous Systems 

The sympathetic nervous system is involved with the “fight or flight” response, which is a natural response. It stimulates the activity of several organs at the same time, resulting in a fast response. It has the potential to enhance heart rate as well as blood flow to the skeletal muscles and lungs.  It can also have a negative impact on digestion and peristalsis. It causes your pupil to dilate, allowing more light to pass through to the lens.

Parasympathetic Nervous System 

The parasympathetic nerve system is frequently associated with the reactions to rest and digestion. These are gradually brought into play. It aids in the relaxation of muscles and the restoration to their normal state. It increases blood flow to the stomach, speeds up digestion, and aids in the absorption of nutrients from food. It causes the ciliary muscles to contract and the pupil to constrict. It has the effect of increasing sexual arousal.

The effects of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve systems are frequently diametrically opposed. Homeostasis is achieved when there is a balance between them.