Autonomic Nervous System Flashcards
What type of actions would we expect from the autonomic nervous system.
The autonomic nervous system controls the visceral responses needed to maintain homeostasis. These responses include (but not limited to) cardiac regulation, digestive regulation, vasomotor responses, respiratory system regulation, body temperature, and the endocrine system.
Why is the autonomic nervous system considered “autonomic”.
The ANS regulates visceral organs independent of our conscious control; in other words, these organs have autonomy to function without our ability to initiate or maintain the response.
What are the two divisions of the ANS and provide an explanation of each in terms of their function.
The two divisions are:
1) . The sympathetic division is responsive for getting our bodies ready for a stressful situation and or response when we are placed in a stressful situation. For example, if we were startled by a fire alarm, our heart rate would increase, respirations would increase, our pupils would dilate, etc. This division is stimulated in stressful (physical or mental) situations.
2) . The parasympathetic divisions works in cooperation with the sympathetic division; however, the two work opposite each other. The parasympathetic division is dominate when we are at rest; it controls the process of digestion. It also has the ability to inhibit the sympathetic division by “slowing” the responses to stress.
