Autonomic nervous system Flashcards
What is the nervous system broken down into?
- Central nervous system
- Peripheral nervous system
What is the central nervous system composed of?
- Brain
- Spinal cord
What is the peripheral nervous system broken down into?
- Autonomic nervous system
- Somatic nervous system
To what does the autonomic nervous system communicate?
- Internal organs
- Glands
To what does the somatic nervous system communicate?
- Sense organs
- Voluntary muscles
What is the autonomic nervous system broken down into?
- Sympathetic division
- Parasympathetic division
What is the function of the sympathetic division?
Arousing
What is the function of the parasympathetic division?
Calming
What is the somatic nervous system broken down into?
- Sensory (afferent) nervous system
- Motor (efferent) nervous system
What is the function of the sensory nervous system?
For sensory input
What is the function of the motor nervous system?
For motor output
Describe the communication link between afferent visceral/sensory input to CNS integration and effector function
Afferent visceral/sensory input is sent in to the CNS, to be processed then depending on the information (electrical conduction / chemical transmission) will be sent into the A.N.S or the S.N.S and then onto effector function.
What type of control is the A.N.S usually involved in?
Subconscious and involuntary
What type of control is the S.N.S usually involved in?
Conscious and voluntary
Give three examples of control areas of the A.N.S
- Mobility - cardiac and smooth muscle
- Secretory glands
- Metabolic - liver and adipose tissue
Give an examples of a control muscle of the S.N.S
Skeletal muscle
What is the function of the efferent division of the P.N.S
It is communication link by which the CNS controls muscles and glands, the effector organs that carry out intended effects or actions
How does CNS regulate the effectors?
By initiating action potentials in the cell bodies of efferent neurons whose axons terminate on these organs
What does the A.N.S regulate? ( x 4 systems)
- Cardiovascular
- Renal
- Gastrointestinal
- Thermoregulatory
Why is A.N.S regulation so important?
To enable the body to meet the continual and ever-changing stresses to which it is exposed.
What innervates cardiac, smooth muscle and glands?
Autonomic nerve fibres
What does the ANS play a role in regulating thanks to autonomic nerve fibres? (9)
(1) Blood pressure and flow,
(2) Gastrointestinal movements and secretions
(3) Body temperature,
(4) Bronchial dilation,
(5) Blood glucose levels,
(6) Metabolism,
(7) Micturition and defecation,
(8) Pupillary light and accommodation reflexes,
(9) Glandular secretions
What is a muscle or gland innervated by autonomic fibres is called?
An effector organ
What happens if the autonomic nerve fibres to an effector organ are cut?
The organ may continue to function, but will lack the capability of adjusting to changing conditions