The autonomic nervous system, molder and integrator of function. Review of a concept.

This paper treats a number of topics relative to functions of the autonomic nervous system: its role in the sympathies and emotional inter-reactions essential to society and common endeavor; the history and evolution of our knowledge of the structure, composition and function of this system; the recent concurrent genesis of concepts of the roles this system plays. Among the most recently developed ideas of autonomic system function is that of its integrating role and that of its molding role in determining the color and intensities of behavioral responses. These latter concepts are supported by recent discoveries of the role played in sensory reception, in several disease states, in control of the neuroendocrine and endocrine systems, in modulation of cardiovascular function, in regulation of energy release and use, and, finally, in conditioned behavior. It appears that there is considerable plasticity and possibility of drastically modifying cell of this system which normally would have functioned in a quite different way. Modern methods of anatomical analysis have shown that the central representation of the autonomic outflow is not as simplistically and independently organized as often visualized. Furthermore the same centers which control somatic responses also affect autonomic system activity. There is only one nervous system and the autonomic complex is an integral part thereof, participating in all behavior. It is, however, specially concerned with the emotional component, reactions to real or anticipated emergencies, control of the viscera and maintenance of homeostasis. In addition to integrating the activity of body parts it has a modulatory effect on all functions.