What controls smooth muscle and cardiac muscle?

The autonomic nervous system controls smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. The autonomic nervous system is an involuntary nervous system that regulates bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. It is divided into two branches: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for preparing the body for "fight or flight" responses. In general, it increases heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, while decreasing activity in the digestive system. The sympathetic nervous system controls smooth muscle in the walls of blood vessels, causing them to constrict and increase blood pressure. It also controls smooth muscle in the airways, causing them to dilate and increase airflow.

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for "rest and digest" functions. In general, it decreases heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, while increasing activity in the digestive system. The parasympathetic nervous system controls smooth muscle in the walls of the stomach and intestines, causing them to relax and allow for more efficient digestion. It also controls smooth muscle in the urinary bladder, causing it to contract and expel urine.

The autonomic nervous system is regulated by the brain and spinal cord. The brain sends signals to the autonomic ganglia, which are clusters of nerve cells that relay the signals to the smooth muscle and cardiac muscle.