The Integrative Action of the Autonomic Nervous System: Neurobiology of Homeostasis

by Wilfrid Jänig

Overview

Almost all bodily functions are dependent on activity of the autonomic nervous system – from the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal tract, the evacuative and sexual organs, to the regulation of temperature, metabolism and tissue defence. Balanced functioning of each aspect of this system is an important basis of our life and well-being. In this long-awaited second edition, the author, a leading figure in this field, provides an up-to-date and detailed description of the cellular and integrative organization of the autonomic nervous system, covering both peripheral and central aspects. The book exposes modern neurobiological concepts that allow us to understand why this system normally runs so smoothly and why its deterioration has such disastrous consequences. This broad overview will appeal to researchers and advanced undergraduate students of the various biological and medical sciences studying how the autonomic nervous system works and to clinicians and physical therapists whose practice involves systems dependent on autonomic functions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781108745987
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/04/2022
Edition description:	2nd Revised ed.
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	7.99(w) x 9.96(h) x 0.83(d)

About the Author

Wilfrid Jänig is Professor Emeritus of Physiology at the Christian-Albrechts University in Kiel, Germany. He has conducted neurobiological research on the autonomic nervous system since 1973. He combined research in Kiel with research at universities in Australia (Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney), at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and at the University of California, San Francisco. His experiments, in which electrical signals in single sympathetic nerve fibers were recorded during natural and reflex activity, have established the principle of selective control of peripheral organs by the brain and the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system in various types of pain and in inflammation.

Table of Contents

Foreword to the Second Edition Elspeth McLachlan; Foreword to the First Edition Elspeth McLachlan; Preface; List of abbreviations; Introduction: The autonomic nervous system and the regulation of body functions; Part I. The Autonomic Nervous System: Functional Anatomy and Interoceptive Afferents: 1. Functional anatomy of the peripheral sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system; 2. Interoceptive afferent neurons and autonomic regulation with special emphasis on the viscera; Part II. Functional Organization of the Peripheral Autonomic Nervous System: 3. The final autonomic pathway and its analysis; 4. The peripheral sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways; 5. The enteric nervous system; Part III. Transmission of Signals in the Peripheral Autonomic Nervous System: 6. Impulse transmission through autonomic ganglia; 7. Mechanisms of neuroeffector transmission; Part IV. Representation of the Autonomic Nervous System in Spinal Cord, and Lower Brain Stem: 8. Anatomy of central autonomic systems; 9. Spinal autonomic systems; 10. Regulation of organ systems by the lower brain stem; Part V. The Centers of Homeostasis in the Mesencephalon and Hypothalamus and their Telencephalic Control: 11. Integration of autonomic regulation in upper brain stem and limbic-hypothalamic centers: a summary; Epilogue The autonomic system in future research: some personal views; Index.

Editorial Reviews

‘This is the ultimate resource for anyone interested in autonomic neurosciences. Professor Jänig has tastefully updated a classic book which manages to distill a vast body of knowledge that will continue to be cherished by students as well as established scientists.’ Kalyanam Shivkumar, Professor of Medicine, The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and President, International Society for Autonomic Neuroscience (ISAN 2022)

‘Wilfrid Jänig has produced an outstanding synthesis of the state of knowledge of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The book is far more than a summary of knowledge; Jänig has drawn out important principles from experimental work and his deep understanding of physiology. He shows how the ANS, in partnership with endocrine hormones, purposefully maintains cells, tissues, and organs in their optimal functional states. The book is beautifully illustrated, especially with diagrams of autonomic circuits. Also very helpful are the conclusions paragraphs at the ends of chapters. The book is essential reading for the seriously engaged physiologist and physician.’ John B. Furness, Professor of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne and The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

‘This is the ‘Workshop Manual’ of how the autonomic nervous system works. The integrative aspect of this book is quite superb. Jänig has avoided the traditional, and unhelpful, silo approach where bodily systems are separated in distinct chapters. This is inconsistent with how the body works. This new edition leaves no ‘autonomic’ stone unturned, covering endplates to emotion, credits the historical facts that have stood the test of time but kicks those into touch that have not. So pleasing was to see that the book challenges old/outdated dogma and sets the facts straight by reviewing the most current evidence. I know that my copy of this book will spend its life being read and not on a shelf; it will be poured over by professors and students alike. The illustrations require a mention: they are exceptional - clear, concise, and comprehensive. I believe this book will put the autonomic nervous system front and center in the field of neuroscience.’ Julian F.R. Paton, Professor of Translational Physiology, University of Auckland, New Zealand

From the Publisher