Autonomic Nervous System

Question 1

What does the ANS do?

Answer 1

• controls involuntary responses
• controls the internal (visceral) organs of the body
• primary role is to maintain homeostasis

Question 2

What are the three divisions of the ANS?

Answer 2

• PNS - “rest and digest”
• SNS - “fight or flight”
• ENS - the gut

Question 3

What part of the brain determines whether PNS or SNS activation is needed?

Answer 3

• hypothalamus

Question 4

Three pathways of efferent neurons

Answer 4

• parasympathetic pathway
• sympathetic pathway
• adrenal sympathetic pathway

Question 5

What does SNS activation do?

Answer 5

• activates SNS neuron to adrenal gland, causing release of epinephrine and norepinephrine

Question 6

PNS neurotransmitter

Answer 6

Acetylcholine