The Autonomic Nervous System and Its Effectors

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) impacts the physiology of every body system, with major influence over the functions of the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and renal systems.
In this superbly written book, Alison Brading, a doyen in the subject, provides a concise and lucid overview of the ANS and its effectors. The sympathetic, parasympathetic and enteric components of the ANS are described followed by an account of basic neurotransmission. Clear descriptions are given of receptor-ligand interactions and intracellular cell signalling, with up-to-date information on G-proteins and the coupling of receptors to membrane. There are chapters describing smooth and cardiac muscle physiology and hormonal regulation of the ANS, with subsequent chapters outlining the role of the ANS in specific body systems.