ANS II Flashcards
How does most sensory information from visceral nerves reach the ANS?
Through the vagus nerve or by inputs to the spinal cord.
How does visceral sensory information from the head and neck reach the ANS?
Through the glossopharyngeal and facial nerves.
Describe the path and hierarchical structure of responses to visceral sensory inputs by the ANS.
The input travels from the organ to the brainstem nuclei, then projects to higher brain centers involved in homeostasis. The higher levels modulate the output of the lower levels based on the integration of information, while the lower levels (brainstem) is responsible for the execution.
What are the main higher centers involved in control of the ANS?
Amygdala, hypothalamus, limbic cortex.
What is the role of the hypothalamus in the regulation of the ANS?
It integrates autonomic responses and endocrine function with behaviour in order to maintain homeostasis.
What are the 3 components of the hypothalamus’ control of the body?
It controls the autonomic response, the behavioural response (through the cerebral cortex), and the hormonal response (through the pituitary gland).
Describe the three-pronged response of the body to exposure to cold temperatures.
ANS response: shivering, change in bloodflow, etc.
Cerebral response: motivation to warm up
Hormonal response: secretion of hormones that will warm the body
What are the 5 physiological needs that the hypothalamus regulates?
- Blood pressure and electrolyte balance
- Body temperature
- Energy metabolism
- Reproduction
- Emergency responses to stress
How does the hypothalamus evaluate sensory information to produce a response?
It uses biological set points. When it detects a deviation from the set point, it coordinates autonomic, endocrine, and behavioural responses to restore homeostasis.
The autonomic nervous system and hypothalamus interact with other brain regions, including […]
The amygdala and the ventral-medial parts of the cerebral cortex.
What is the effect of the connection between the hypothalamus and the amygdala?
This allows us to connect visceral responses to conscious feelings and connect emotions to memories.
Where is the amygdala located on brain?
In the uncus, which is on the underside of the brain under the hippocampus.
If someone doesn’t have an amygdala, how will their functioning differ?
People without amygdalas won’t have a physiological response to the emotions they might experience, such as sweating, feeling nervous, etc.
What is the effect of the connection between the ANS and the ventral-medial pre-frontal cortex?
These regions of the cerebral cortex are important in connecting physiological states with conscious feelings and emotions. This is why we can feel anxious because of things that aren’t a direct threat to us and are instead social constructs.
If someone has damage to their ventral-medial pre-frontal cortex, how will their behaviour differ?
This will prevent the ability to regulate emotion and connect it with events in life. This will lead to poor social judgment.
