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Autonomic Nervous Systems

Description
Most autonomic motor pathways consist of two motor neurons in series. The first (preganglionic neuron) has its cell body in the central nervous system. The axon extends to an autonomic ganglion. The second (postganglionic neuron) has its unmyelinated axon extending from the ganglion to the effector (smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, or gland).

The autonomic nervous system is divided into two divisions: The sympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the fight-or-flight division because its stimulation leads to increased alertness and metabolism to be ready for an emergency. The parasympathetic nervous system is referred to as the rest-and-digest division as its stimulation slows down most body activity.
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