Which nervous system is responsible for controlling body activities automatically?

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling body activities automatically, without the need for conscious thought. It regulates functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and reflexes. This system operates independently to maintain homeostasis and manage the body's involuntary functions. It consists of two main divisions: the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes 'rest and digest' activities. By integrating inputs from various neural pathways and sensory organs, the autonomic nervous system effectively manages essential bodily functions seamlessly, ensuring that we can respond to environmental changes while still maintaining necessary physiological processes.