Autonomic nervous system

Question 1

Describe the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 1

• Operates without conscious instruction.

- Coordinates systems such as cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive.

Question 2

Describe the 2 divisions of the ANS?

Answer 2

-Sympathetic = increases alertness, muscles, metabolic rates. ‘Fight or flight’.

• Parasympathetic = promotes digestion, during rest.
  ‘Rest and digest’.

-They can work together or independently.

Question 3

Name 7 reasons to increase sympathetic activity?

Answer 3

• Heightened mental alertness.
• Increased metabolic rate.
• Reduced digestive.
• Energy reserves activated.
• Increased respiratory rates.
• Increased heart rate.
• Sweat glands activated.

Question 4

Roles of the parasympathetic division?

Answer 4

• Stimulates visceral activity.
• Conserves energy.
• Decreased metabolic rate.
• Increased salivary and digestive glands.
• Increased blood flow.
• Urination stimulation.

Question 5

Where in the CNS is activity regulated?

Answer 5

• Hypothalamus.
• Brain stem.
• Spinal cord.
• Cerebral cortex.

Question 6

What does the hypothalamus control?

Answer 6

• Medial + anterior is parasympathetic.
• Lateral + posterior is sympathetic.
• Coordinates heart activity, blood pressure, temperature, H2O balance.

Question 7

What does the brain stem control?

Answer 7

-Cardiac, respiratory, vasometer centres.

Question 8

What does the spinal cord control?

Answer 8

• Lateral horns of grey matter.

- Thoughts and memories can influence ANS.

Question 9

How is ANS dysfunction caused?

Answer 9

• Parkinsons
• Alcholism
• Diabetes

-Can cause BP problems, heart problems, trouble breathing.

Question 10

Types of stress?

Answer 10

• Eustress = type of stress that is fun and exciting, keeps us vital.
• Acute stress = short term, positive or distressing.
• Chronic stress = causes high BP, can cause health problems.