Why is the autonomic nervous system so named?

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) gets its name from the fact that it functions automatically, without conscious control. It regulates a wide range of bodily functions, such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, and salivation.

The central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord, consciously controls voluntary actions like thought, memory, and voluntary movement. On the other hand, the involuntary actions governed by the autonomic nervous system occur automatically based on the body's needs and physiological conditions. Hence, the term "autonomous" accurately describes the independent and self-sufficient nature of this intricate network of nerves and ganglia.