Autonomic Nervous System Flashcards
What are the divisions of the peripheral nervous system?
parasympathetic and sympathetic
What is the sympathetic system responsible for?
fight or flight, it controls our response to stress
Where are the neurons in the sympathetic system coming out of?
thoracic and lumbar
What size are the preganglionic neurons in the sympathetic system?
short
What are the preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic system made of and what do they release?
they are made of cholinergic fibers and release acetylcholine
How does acetylcholine stimulate the long postganglionic fibers of the sympathetic system?
the postganglionic fibers are adrenergic and release epinephrine when stimulated
dopaminergic fibers
release dopamine to stimulate the kidneys
What effects does the sympathetic system have on the body?
- dilates eyes to make vision better
-decrease salivation
-increases HR or tachycardia
-increase BP
-bronchodilation which causes airways to open and get more air
-the liver undergoes glycogenesis and releases the storage so we have more blood sugar
-relaxes bladder
-slow GI motility
alpha 1
vascular, acts on the blood vessels, increases BP
alpha 2
dealing with the nerves, decreases the motility of the GI
beta 1
increases cardiac contractility
beta 2
bronchodilation, relaxes muscle of the uterus
What is the function of the parasympathetic system?
allows for rest due to no presence of danger
What size are the preganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic system?
long
Where are the neurons of the parasympathetic mainly located?
they come out of the brainstem
What do the neurons of the parasympathetic release?
they release acetylcholine
What does the parasympathetic system stimulate?
-pupils constrict
-saliva increase
-HR and BP decrease
-bronchoconstriction
-increased GI motility
-bladder contraction and causes voiding
What do cholinergic drugs or parasympathomimetics do?
-constrict pupils
-increase saliva
-
What do sympatholytics or adrenergic antagonists do?
can be used to treat hypertension
-beta blockers are an example bc they decrease HR, constrict the airway, and lower the BP
What do parasympathetic or anticholinergics do?
dilate the lungs
increase HR
dilates the eyes
