ABSTRACT

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is an important component of the autonomic nervous system, and thus plays a major role in the maintenance of body homeostasis. The SNS is of particular importance in the control of the cardiovascular system and of a number of metabolic processes including energy homeostasis. Alterations in SNS effects on metabolism have been implicated in the development and maintenance of obesity, and the SNS is a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of obesity. This short review provides an overview of the anatomical and physiological aspects of the SNS, before considering the evidence showing a role for the SNS in the development or treatment of obesity.