Poster Session 2, 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM: Campus Center Auditorium [A27]

Mind Over Body: Central Autonomic Control in Action

Presenter: Hye Baek

Faculty Sponsor: Reena Randhir

School: Springfield Technical Community College

Research Area: Biology

ABSTRACT

The human nervous system is divided into the Central Nervous System that functions under conscious control and the Autonomic Nervous System under unconscious control. The ANS regulates functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and digestion. However recently studies show that it influences higher brain regions and this is important because it is related to cardiovascular health. The purpose of this study was to examine how the brain regulates autonomic function through central autonomic control mechanisms. A systematic literature review was conducted using recent peer-reviewed research publications in Google Scholar.
Research indicates that the Central Autonomic Network (CAN), including the prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, amygdala, hypothalamus, and brainstem, works together to control automatic body functions by integrating emotional, cognitive, and physiological cues. The Neurovisceral Integration Model suggests that effective autonomic regulation reflects the brain’s capacity for self-regulation and emotional control. Research also shows that prefrontal inhibitory control is associated with increased parasympathetic activity and can be measured through heart rate variability (HRV). Data indicates that patients with higher HRV show approximately 20- 40% greater vagal activity and improved stress response. It further confirms that autonomic regulation is a dynamic interaction between the brain and body rather than a self-regulating system as once believed. The reduced HRV and impaired central autonomic regulation have been linked to anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and increased cardiovascular risk. Understanding central autonomic control shows the importance of brain body integration for maintaining physiological stability and overall health. Future research may support interventions such as biofeedback and stress-regulation training to improve autonomic balance.