126 THE HORSE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 



unconscious, or both. They are known, in general, as automatic 

 actions. 



The functions of the sympathetic system are of two kinds: 

 First, it serves to transmit stimuli to the heart and other involun- 

 tary muscles and glands. Second, it conducts impulses from the 

 viscera to the cerebrospinal system under which it normally works. 

 In an emergency it has the ability to work independently of the 

 central nervous system to carry out peristaltic movements in the 

 hollow viscera. 



