The autonomic nervous system supplies sensation as well as motor function to the vascular, lacrimal, and glandular functions of the head and face. Remember that these functions occur automatically and are not under voluntary control.

The sympathetic nervous system arises from the 12 thoracic and upper lumbar vertebrae levels in the spinal cord.

The general function of the sympathetic nervous system is to help the body cope with stressful situations. A good example of this is when you are next up to bat with the bases loaded, bottom of the ninth inning, and the team is down by two runs. The response is usually the rapid release, and subsequent use, of energy. This is best exemplified by the reaction of the body to a dangerous stressful situation, like the athlete in the above situation. In this instance, sympathetic involuntary responses occur, including increased heart and respiratory rates, cold and clammy hands, wide-eyed stare, and dilated pupils. Blood is redistributed by means of vasoconstriction from such areas as the abdomen, pelvic organs, and skin, and shunted to more important tissues such as the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles. Activity of the gastrointestinal and urinary systems is less important during this stressful situation, and therefore the smooth muscle of these organs is inhibited. Because of this overall response, the sympathetic division is often referred to as the ôfight-or-flightö division of the autonomic nervous system.

In regards to headaches and neck pain the sympathetic nervous system has three ganglia, or nerve centers, in the neck region. These are known as the superior, middle, and cervicothoracic (stellate) ganglia.

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