Autonomic Nervous System Flashcards
What is another name for the autonomic nervous system?
visceral efferent system
What are the two branches of the autonomic nervous system?
sympathetic and parasympathetic
Autonomic Nervous System Characteristics
independent. Composed of efferent fibers forming a reflex pathway responding to visceral afferents.
What are the actions of the ANS controlled by?
hypothalamus and reticular formation
Parasympathetic NS
conserves and restores energy (rest and digest)
Sympathetic NS
prepared the body for emergency situations (fight or flight)
SNS and PNS activity
parasympathetic is continuously active
Sympathetic has low resting tone but is capable of bouts of great activity
Anatomy of the ANS
is a 2 neuron system.
1. 1st neuron in cell body
2 . 2nd neuron on ganglion in the peripheral NS
1st Neuron Cell Body
preganglionic Neuron
2nd Neuron Cell Body
postganglionic neuron
Where do preganglionic ANS nerve fibers leave the CNS?
parasympathetic= craniosacral nervous system Sympathetic= thoracolumbar nervous system
Anatomy of the Preganglionic Cell Bodies
all pre-ganglionic cell bodies are in the lateral horn of T1-L3. Short axons run to sympathetic trunk ganglia. Form the sympathetic trunk
Sympathetic Trunk
some individual ganglion have fused together. Head supplied by spinal nerves from C8-T5. Part of the vagosympathetic trunk
Anatomy of post-ganglionic neuron
has long axon. Leaves the ganglion to reach its target organ via a spinal nerve or separate nerve
Targets of sympathetic nervous system
- dilate pupil
- constrict blood vessels in skin and gut
- bronchodilation
- increase heart rate and force of contraction
- piloerection
- decrease peristaltic activity and secretion in gut
- stimulation of secretion from sweat glands
- stimulate release of norepinephrine and epinephrine from adrenal medulla
- close the internal urethral sphincter
First neuron in parasympathetic NS
originates from the brainstem or from the sacral spinal cord= craniosacral system. Has a long preganglionic axon. Parasympathetic ganglia are located close to or within the wall of their target organ. 2nd neuron has small postganglionic axon in target organ wall
Origin of the first parasympathetic NS Neuron
in cranial nerves nuclei in brainstem (long preganglionic axon leaves CNS via cranial nerves 3, 7, 9, and 10 to reach ganglia in the viscera of head region. or via cranial nerve 10 to reach the cervical, thoracic, or abdominal viscera)or in sacral spinal cord (neuronal cell bodies in S1-S3. Long preganglionic axon leaves CNS via segmental spinal nerves. Terminates on cell body of 2nd neuron in ganglion in pelvic viscera)
Target Organs of Parasympathetic Fibers
pupil size via CN III (oculomotor nerve)
salivary glands via CN VII (facial n.) and IX (glossopharyngeal n.)
Lacrimal glands via CN VII (facial nerve)
Cranial Nerve X
vagus nerve. Projects to parasympathetic ganglia in or close to thoracic and abdominal organs- in cardiac muscles to regulate heart rte, gastrointestinal tract to regulate motility and secretions, and lungs to regulate secretion
Where do sacral preganglionic neurons exit the CNS?
via spinal nerves (S1-S3) and form the pelvic nerces to end in the pelvic viscera (rectum, bladder, genitalia)
Target Organs of the Parasympathetic Fibers
- constriction of pupil
- accomodation of the lens
- bronchoconstriction
- decrease heart rate
- increase peristaltic activity and secretion in gut
- release of saliva
- contracts the bladder
- stimulates erection
Neurotransmitter
molecule released by a neuron at the level of the synapse following an action potential. Acts as a chemical messenger, binds to post-synaptic receptors, generates a change in function of the target cell
Adrenal Medulla
innervated by sympathetic fibers. Preganglionic neuron secreted acetylcholine. Postganglionic chromaffin cells acting like 2nd neurons secrete epinephrine (and a small amount of norepinephrine). The epinephrine is released in the blood circulation allowing diffuse systemic effects following sympathetic stimulation
General Visceral Afferent System
receptors to pressure, stretch, and chemical changes
Specific Visceral Afferent System
receptors to taste and olfaction
What only receives sympathetic innervation?
vessels
Functions of the Sympathetic Nervous System
- response to an emergency situation
- response to physical or emotional stress
- secretion of epinephrine by adrenal glands prolongs the effect
- digestion and urination are inhibited
- helps with thermoregulation and allows pupils to dilate in low ambient light in less stressful situations
Functions of the Parasympathetic Nervous System
- digestion and food absorption
- pupillary constriction
- decreases heart rate
- urination
- defecation
- lacrimation
How to Increase Blood Pressure
- less stretching of the baroreceptors
- sympathetic stimulation
- peripheral vasoconstriction and increase vascular resistance
- increase blood pressure
How to Decrease Blood Pressure
- increased blood pressure
- increased stretching of the baroreceptors
- inhibition of sympathetic-mediated vasoconstriction
- decreases vascular resistance
- decreases blood pressure