Chapter 2: How the Divisions of the Nervous System Work Together Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Divisions

Question 1

What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Answer 1

The two divisions of the autonomic nervous system are the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions.

Question 2

What is the role of the parasympathetic division?

Answer 2

The parasympathetic division dominates during relaxation and is sometimes called the “rest and digest” system. It lowers heart rate, stimulates digestion, and inhibits the release of stress hormones

Question 3

What is the role of the sympathetic division?

Answer 3

The sympathetic division dominates during times of stress, fear, or anger and is sometimes called the “fight or flight” system. It increases heart rate, redirects blood flow to skeletal muscles, stimulates the release of stress hormones, promotes blood clotting, and releases glucose from the liver for energy.

Question 4

How do the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions work together?

Answer 4

The two divisions work together to help the body respond to perceived threats. The sympathetic division prepares the body for action during emergencies, while the parasympathetic division restores calm and normal function once the threat is resolved.

Question 5

Where do nerves in the parasympathetic division originate?

Answer 5

Nerves in the parasympathetic division originate in the brainstem (the lowest area of the brain) and the sacral area (lowest area of the spinal cord).

Question 6

Where do nerves in the sympathetic division originate?

Answer 6

Nerves in the sympathetic division originate from the thoracic (trunk area) and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spinal cord.

Question 7

How does the frontal lobe of the brain help calm down the body’s response to perceived threats?

Answer 7

The frontal lobe evaluates the situation rationally and helps activate the parasympathetic division to calm down the body’s response. This can decrease heart rate, slow breathing, and relax muscles, allowing the body to return to a relaxed state.

Question 8

What are some actions of the parasympathetic division on bodily functions?

Answer 8

Stimulates saliva production
Stimulates activity of the stomach
Stimulates bladder contractions
Stimulates activity of the intestines
Slows down the heartbeat
Constricts pupils

Question 9

What are some actions of the sympathetic division on bodily functions?

Answer 9

Relaxes bladder
Stimulates the release of glucose
Increases the heartbeat
Dilates pupils
Inhibits activity of the stomach
Inhibits saliva production

Question 10

What part of the brainstem helps regulate basic life-sustaining functions such as heartbeat and breathing?

Answer 10

The reticular formation, which is scattered throughout the brainstem, helps regulate basic life-sustaining functions such as heartbeat and breathing.

Question 11

What is the function of the reticular formation?

Answer 11

The reticular formation sends messages to the rest of the brain to help maintain wakefulness and alertness, allowing individuals to concentrate on tasks such as reading.

Question 12

What part of the brainstem is responsible for maintaining automatic bodily functions?

Answer 12

The brainstem, including the reticular formation, is responsible for maintaining automatic bodily functions such as heartbeat and breathing without conscious effort.

Question 13

What cranial nerve sends the sound of shattering glass from the ears to the brainstem?

Answer 13

The acoustic nerve sends the sound of shattering glass from the ears to the brainstem.

Question 14

Where does the message from the brainstem go next after receiving the sound?

Answer 14

The message from the brainstem goes to the thalamus, a large structure just above the brainstem.

Question 15

What structure in the brain sounds the alarm and arouses other parts of the brain in response to danger?

Answer 15

The hypothalamus, located just below the thalamus, sounds the alarm and arouses other parts of the brain in response to danger.

Question 16

What gland in the brain communicates with the hypothalamus and directs the secretion of hormones in response to danger?

Answer 16

The pituitary gland in the brain communicates with the hypothalamus and directs the secretion of hormones, primarily adrenaline and cortisol, in response to danger.

Question 17

Where is the cerebellum located in the brain?

Answer 17

The cerebellum is located at the back of the brain, behind the cerebrum.

Question 18

What is the role of the cerebellum?

Answer 18

helps maintain muscle tone and balance, and it coordinates muscle movements, especially during rapid or unexpected changes in position.

Question 19

How did the cerebellum help when you changed position quickly from sitting to standing?

Answer 19

The cerebellum helped maintain equilibrium (balance) so that you didn’t fall over when changing position quickly, and it helped coordinate muscle contractions in the correct order.

Question 20

What is the cerebrum, and how is it organized?

Answer 20

The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is organized into lobes, each responsible for different functions.

Question 21

Which lobe of the cerebrum interprets sound?

Answer 21

The temporal lobes interpret sound.

Question 22

Which lobe of the cerebrum creates images based on visual input?

Answer 22

The occipital lobe, located at the back of the brain, creates images based on visual input.

Question 23

How did the frontal lobe help calm you down after seeing and hearing your cat?

Answer 23

The frontal lobe analyzed the meaning of the sensory messages, recognized the cat, and recalled past experiences, leading to a calming response.

Question 24

Thalamus

Answer 24

Initially processes all sensations except for the sense of smell.

Question 25

How do the frontal and parietal lobes work together to coordinate movements?

Answer 25

The parietal lobes interpret sensory input, while the frontal lobe plans and executes movements. They communicate to coordinate movements, with messages traveling from the parietal lobes to the frontal lobe and then to the muscles through the nervous system. The frontal lobe then sent messages to your muscles, directing their movements. Those messages first went to the thalamus, where they coordinated with impulses from the cerebellum, then to the spinal cord, then to motor neurons in the peripheral nervous system, and finally, to the muscles.

Question 26

Cerebellum

Answer 26

Maintains muscle tension, helps you keep your balance, and helps your muscles contract in the correct order.

Question 27

Pituitary gland

Answer 27

Tells the adrenal glands which hormones to secrete when you're confronted with a dangerous or stressful situation.

Question 28

Frontal lobe

Answer 28

The thinking part of the brain; also directs voluntary movement of your muscles.

Question 29

Reticular formation

Answer 29

Cells scattered throughout the brainstem that help keep you alert and awake.

Question 30

Hypothalamus

Answer 30

Tells the pituitary glands which hormones to secrete when you're confronted with a dangerous or stressful situation.

Question 31

Parietal lobes

Answer 31

Interprets sensation from your skin, muscles, and joints

Question 32

Temporal lobes

Answer 32

Where impulses for the sense of hearing are first sent after leaving the thalamus.

Question 33

Temporal lobes

Answer 33

Where impulses for the sense of hearing are first sent after leaving the thalamus

Question 34

Cerebrum

Answer 34

The largest part of the brain; organized into lobes.

Question 35

Occipital lobe

Answer 35

Where impulses for the sense of sight are first sent after leaving the thalamus.

Question 36

Brainstem

Answer 36

Keeps your heart beating and your lungs breathing.