Origin: Greek prefix auto-
Autonomic nervous system has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
the part of the nervous system of vertebrates that controls involuntary actions of the smooth muscles and heart and glands
In humans and other vertebrates, the part of the nervous system that regulates the involuntary activity of the heart, intestines and glands. These activities include digestion, respiration, perspiration, metabolism, and the modulation of blood pressure.