Nervous Equilibrium

The function of the nervous (and endocrine) system is to guide capillary responses such as contraction and relaxation. In the previous section under Circulatory Dynamics, we learned how the flow of blood into tissues is affected by these states. The stimulus for contraction or relaxation is largely regulated by the autonomic nervous system, but also through a variety of local and systemic mechanisms, from prostaglandins to emotional stress.