How is the autonomic nervous system divided?

The autonomic nervous system is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches. The sympathetic branch is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response, preparing the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redistributing blood flow to essential organs and muscles. Conversely, the parasympathetic branch promotes the "rest and digest" functions, slowing the heart rate, increasing intestinal activity, and promoting relaxation and energy conservation after stress has passed. This duality allows the autonomic nervous system to maintain homeostasis in the body by balancing the activities of both branches based on situational demands.

While other systems, like the central and peripheral nervous systems or voluntary and involuntary actions, are important in understanding overall nervous system functionality, they do not specifically address the distinct divisions within the autonomic nervous system.