Final answer:
The autonomic nervous system, part of the peripheral nervous system, regulates involuntary physiological functions through its two subdivisions: the sympathetic division for 'fight-or-flight' responses and the parasympathetic division for 'rest and digest' activities, both of which work together to maintain homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiological processes, including heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal. Structurally, the ANS includes sensory and motor nerves that communicate between the central nervous system (CNS) and internal organs and glands. The ANS is divided into two main divisions:
- Sympathetic division: Prepares the body for 'fight-or-flight' responses.
- Parasympathetic division: Controls 'rest and digest' activities and helps to maintain homeostasis.
Both divisions have complementary functions, working together to maintain the body's homeostasis. The sympathetic system may increase heart rate, while the parasympathetic system can decrease it. This balance between both systems, known as homeostasis, is crucial for the body's optimal functioning.