Also found inside the nerves of the PNS are many neurons that belong to the visceral or autonomic nervous system (ANS). ANS neurons allow the CNS to involuntarily (= subconsciously) monitor and control the activities of the viscera (= soft organs in the main body cavities). Visceral receptors (= interceptors) monitor the acitivity of the organs that make up the respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems. When a change is detected, action potentials are generated in the autonomic sensory neurons, and then they are conducted to the CNS. After apporpriate responses are subconsciously developed in the CNS (except with reflexes), action potentials are transmitted to the autonomic motor neurons and then conducted to the effectors (= glands, heart, and smooth muscle). The motor divsion of the ANS is functionally divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems (N.S.). The sympathetic N.S. promotes activities that help the body cope with stress. In contrast, the parasympathetic N.S. promotes activities that support the body while at rest. For example, heart rate is increased by the sympathetic N.S. and slowed by the parasympathetic N.S.