1. relating to the part of the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and digestion
Usage: medical; biological
2. acting or occurring involuntarily or automatically

Examples

• The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate without conscious control.
• Breathing is an autonomic function that continues even during sleep.
• The doctor explained how autonomic responses help maintain body temperature.
• Stress can affect autonomic functions like blood pressure and digestion.
• The patient’s autonomic reflexes were tested during the neurological exam.
• Meditation can help calm autonomic responses to anxiety.