Sympathetic system
Origin, NT released, type of response, length of nerve fibers, location of ganglia
- origin: thoracic and lumbar regions of spinal cord
- NT released: norepinephrine
- type of response: fight or flight
- length of nerve fibers: long
- location of ganglia: near spinal cord
Parasympathetic system
Origin, NT released, type of response, length of nerve fibers, location of ganglia
- origin: brainstem and sacral spinal cord
- NT released: acetylcholine
- type of response: rest and digest
- length of nerve fibers: short
- location of ganglia: in or near target organ
Enteric nervous system
- mesh-like system of neurons that line GI tract
- operate independently
Enteric nervous system communication
- parasympathetic: vagus nerve
- sympathetic: prevertebral ganglia
Enteric nervous system involvement
- peristalsis
- intestine contractions
- GI hormone secretions
Somatic system
Effector organ: skeletal muscles
# of neurons from CNS to effector:
Location of neuron cell bodies: motor —> brainstem or spinal cord; sensory —> dorsal root ganglia
NT used: acetylcholine
Influence on effector organ: controls musculoskeletal system and external sensory organs
Autonomic system
Effector organ: smooth muscle, glands, cardiac muscle
# of neurons from CNS to effector:
Location of neuron cell bodies: brainstem or spinal cord of CNS
NT used: acetylcholine, norepinephrine, epinephrine
Influence on effector organ: alpha —> smooth muscle contraction; beta —> cardiac muscle contraction and bronchodilation
