Autonomic Nervous System Flashcards
Give some examples of sensory information
(4)
Pressure
Temperature
Pain
Hydrogen ion concentration
How is the Nervous System Divided?
The central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system
What is the Peripheral Nervous System
The nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord
What is the peripheral nervous system responsible for?
It transmits information to and from the Central Nervous System
How is the peripheral nervous system divided?
The somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system
How is the autonomic nervous system divided?
Into the parasympathetic and sympathetic division
What does the somatic nervous system contral?
Voluntary control e.g. muscle control (skeletal muscle)
What does the autonomic nervous system control?
Involuntary control / smooth muscle
What is the main difference between the nerve cells of the somatic nervous system and the nerve cells of the autonomic nervous system (both sympathetic and parasympathetic)?
In the somatic nervous system the responses are very quick so there is no synapse -> nerve cell reaches out to skeletal muscle -> the release of neurotransmitters at the synapse stimulate the muscle cells
Name a disease that affects the neurons of the somatic nervous system
Motor neuron disease
Give some systems the autonomic nervous system is responsible for controlling
(4)
Blood pressure
Temperature adjustments
Electrolyte balance
Blood gas balance
What tissues does the autonomic nervous system control?
(4)
Smooth muscle
Glands
Cardiac muscle
Adipose tissue
What systems does the autonomic nervous system control?(5)
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Digestive System
Urinary System
Reproductive System
How do the actions of the autonomic nervous system compare to the somatic nervous system?
The actions of the autonomic nervous system are widespread and relatively slow while the somatic are fast and specific
List the five main concentrations the autonomic nervous system controls
Internal H2O concentration
Temperature concentration
Electrolytes
Nutrients
Dissolved gases
What parts of the brain coordinates the autonomic nervous system?
(3)
The hypothalamus
The pons
The medulla oblongata
How do the actions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions compare to each other?
These two divisions of the autonomic nervous system usually have opposite effects e.g. heart rate can go up but gut function can go down
How do the actions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions compare to each other?
These two divisions of the autonomic nervous system usually have opposite effects e.g. heart rate can go up but gut function can go down, the two divisions may also work together but one will usually function at a high level while the other is at a low
Which autonomic division predominates under resting conditions?
Parasympathetic division
Which autonomic division predominates under periods of stress or exertion?
The sympathetic division
Stress = Sympathetic
Are the autonomic divisions ever turned off?
No both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions have resting tone -> they are both switched on just with different degrees of activity
What is the parasympathetic response?
“Rest and Repose”
“Rest and Digest”
What happens during the parasympathetic response?
(6)
Building up of body energy stores
Conserves energy
Growth/repair of tissue
Decrease heart function and respiratory function
Increase secretion of salivary and digestive glands
Stimulation of urination and defecation
What is the sympathetic response?
“Fight or Flight”
