The integrative action of the autonomic nervous system : neurobiology of homeostasis

Almost all bodily functions are dependent on activity of the autonomic nervous system – from the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal tract, the evacuative and sexual organs, to the regulation of temperature, metabolism and tissue defence. Balanced functioning of each aspect of this system is an important basis of our life and well-being. In this long-awaited second edition, the author, a leading figure in this field, provides an up-to-date and detailed description of the cellular and integrative organization of the autonomic nervous system, covering both peripheral and central aspects. The book exposes modern neurobiological concepts that allow us to understand why this system normally runs so smoothly and why its deterioration has such disastrous consequences. This broad overview will appeal to researchers and advanced undergraduate students of the various biological and medical sciences studying how the autonomic nervous system works and to clinicians and physical therapists whose practice involves systems dependent on autonomic functions. "Cardiac and smooth muscles, exocrine glands, fat stores, primary and secondary immune organs, etc, throughout the bodies of vertebrates are innervated by autonomic pathways. The first edition of Wilfrid Jänig's book The Integrative Action of the Autonomic Nervous System (2006) brought together what was known about the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of this system, at the level of organs, tissues and cells. The book has become the mainstay of current information on the neural control of autonomic function. In the first edition, Wilfrid compiled and extended knowledge of how central nervous integration is transformed within sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways to regulate the peripheral organs and tissues, including the cellular mechanisms by which the central signals are transmitted to the effector tissues. Information about research in autonomic function, using classical and modern techniques in neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, pharmacology and biochemistry, was integrated with the fundamental understanding of this system accumulated over more than one hundred years and summarised in a complete and accessible way"-- Provided by publisher This long-awaited second edition has been systematically revised and updated. Aimed at advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers, the book unravels the complex mechanisms that determine how the brain and peripheral nervous system regulate bodily functions, and how this normal functioning can change with disease or injury.