Autonomic Nervous System

Question 1

what does autonomic mean

Answer 1

self-regulating, involuntary

Question 2

what are the two elements of the autonomic nervous system

Answer 2

• sympathetic nervous system (excites and arouses the body)

- parasympathetic nervous system (calms the body down)

Question 3

what triggers SNS (sympathetic nervous system)

Answer 3

stress (e.g. pain, danger, exercise)

Question 4

what are the 5 things that happen when the SNS kicks into gear

Answer 4

1. adrenaline is secreted e.g. pupils dilate, blood sugar released
2. increase in heart rate (greater cardiac output)
3. increase in blood pressure (speeds up blood flow)
4. increases contractile force of cardiac muscle (heart contracts harder)
5. stimulates vasoconstriction/vasodilation (determines/directs blood flow)

Question 5

what are 3 things that happen when the PNS (parasympathetic nervous system) kicks into gear

Answer 5

1. decrease in heart rate
2. decrease in blood pressure
3. decrease in cardiac output (total volume of blood being pumped out)