Autonomic responses are involuntary reactions of the body that occur without conscious thought. These responses are controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which regulates essential functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. They help the body react quickly to stressors or changes in the environment, ensuring survival and maintaining homeostasis. There are two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic system prepares the body for "fight or flight" situations, while the parasympathetic system promotes "rest and digest" activities. Together, they balance the body's responses to various stimuli.