Autonomic Nervous System Flashcards
Functions and sympathetic and parasympathetic systems (15 cards)
Describe the concept of dual innervation in visceral organs.
Most visceral organs receive dual innervation from both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
Explain the role of dynamic antagonism in visceral activity control.
Dynamic antagonism refers to the continual firing of action potentials down axons of both divisions, allowing for precise control of visceral activity.
Define basal tone in the context of the autonomic nervous system.
Basal tone refers to the partial activity of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, resulting in a constant state of readiness.
How does the sympathetic division affect heart and respiratory rates?
The sympathetic division increases heart and respiratory rates while inhibiting digestion and elimination.
What is the effect of the parasympathetic division on bodily functions?
The parasympathetic division decreases heart and respiratory rates and promotes digestion and waste elimination.
Explain the physiological response when body temperatures drop.
When body temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict, and the sympathetic system causes the release of renin from the kidneys, which activates a system that increases blood pressure.
Describe the metabolic effects of the sympathetic division.
The sympathetic division increases metabolic rates of cells, raises blood glucose levels, mobilizes fats for fuel, and activates sweat glands.
Identify the unique roles of the sympathetic division in thermoregulation.
The sympathetic division is responsible for thermoregulatory responses to heat, including the dilation of skin blood vessels to allow heat to escape.
Explain how the parasympathetic division affects heart rate and digestive activity.
It slows the heart rate and dictates normal activity levels of the digestive and urinary tracts.
Define parasympathetic tone and its significance in organ function.
Parasympathetic tone refers to the slight, continuous activation of organs by the parasympathetic division, maintaining a baseline level of activity.
How does the sympathetic division interact with blood vessels and sweat glands?
The sympathetic division innervates the adrenal medulla, sweat glands, arrector pili muscles, kidneys, and almost all blood vessels, providing unique functions.
What happens to blood vessels when body temperatures rise?
When body temperatures rise, sympathetic nerves cause blood vessels to dilate, allowing heat to escape.
Describe the role of the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
The parasympathetic division normally dominates heart and smooth muscle of digestive and urinary tract organs, activating most glands except for adrenal and sweat glands.
How does the sympathetic division interact with the parasympathetic division during stress?
The sympathetic division can override the effects of the parasympathetic division during times of stress.
What effect do drugs that block parasympathetic responses have on the body?
They increase heart rate and can cause fecal and urinary retention.
