The autonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system controls the internal organs without our being aware of it — the heart, the gut, the glands.
Sympathetic — fight or flight
Prepares the body for danger or effort.
Heart beats faster; breathing speeds up.
Pupils widen.
Digestion slows; less saliva.
Parasympathetic — rest and digest
Returns the body to calm.
Heart slows; breathing slows.
Pupils narrow.
Digestion speeds up; more saliva.
Figure to be added