Abstract The autonomic nervous system is an integral part of the body’s hemostasis, maintaining mechanisms through two opposing forces. The autonomic nervous system is split into two subtypes, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS). The SNS and PSNS act in response to stimuli, and regulate body functions such as digestion, response to stress, heart and respiratory rate, and many others. The SNS possesses an ability to release large amounts of catecholamines in response to stressful stimuli, earning it the common description of “fight or flight.” In the context of the far-reaching effects of the SNS and its importance in anesthesia, it is crucial for anesthesia providers to have a thorough understanding of its mechanisms.