Introduction to the ANS Flashcards
What is meant by pharmacodynamics
What drugs do to the body- their effects
What is meant by pharmacokinetics
How the body responds to the drugs (metabolism, excretion)
Describe the basic function of the ANS
Peripheral functions- not conscious
What are the 3 outputs (branches) of the CNS
§ There are 3 branches to the CNS; the ANS, the somatic nervous system and the neuroendocrine syste
What does the ANS act on
exocrine glands smooth muscle cardiac muscle metabolism host defence
What does the somatic nervous system act on
skeletal muscle,
including the diaphragm and respiratory muscle
What does the neuroendocrine system act on
growth, metabolism, reproduction, development,
salt & water balance,
host defence
List some examples of the ANS in action
§ Some targets of the ANS include:
o Pupillary constriction – constriction mediated by the PNS via the oculomotor nerve (CNIII).
o Cephalic and gastric phases of digestion – vagal nerve PNS mediation.
o Basal heart rate – PNS is dominant at rest (as the intrinsic rate is 100-110bpm which isn’t normal at rest) however as baroreceptors stretch less as BP drops, less inhibition of SNS leading to increased heart rate.
Describe the effect of reduced baroreceptor firing
Loss of fluid (e.g excessive sweating)- BP decreases- decreased rate of firing of arterial baroreceptors- therefore less inhibition of sympathetic neurones- the sympathetic neurone (split into two branches) can then act to increase heart rate, increase BP (vasodilation) and increased force of contraction of the heart
Do all targets have PNS and SNS innervation
Note that most targets in the body receive BOTH PNS and SNS innervation BUT some targets only receive one type branch of the ANS – examples include the blood vessels (only the SNS innervates).
2 opposing effects in blood vessels - NA constricts, histamine dilates
Lungs only receive PNS- dilation is by adrenaline in fight or flight response
Effects of ANS on the eye
Dilatation (Pupil) - symp
Constriction (Pupil)- para
Contraction (Ciliary Muscle)- para
Effects of ANS on trachea and bronchioles
Dilates (Ad)
Constriction- para
Effects of ANS on liver
Glycogenolysis
Gluconeogenesis
Both symp
Effects of ANS on adipose
Lipolysis- symp
Effects of ANS on kidney
Increased renin secretion- symp
Effects of ANS on bladder and ureters
Relaxes detrusor; constriction of trigone and sphincter (symp)
Contraction of detrusor; relaxation of trigone and sphincter (para)
Effects of ANS on salivary glands
Thick, viscious secretion- sympathetic
Copious, watery secretion - para
Effects of ANS on skin
Piloerection - symp Increased sweating (C)- symp (cholinergic)
Effect of ANS on heart
Increased rate and contractility- symp
Decreased rate and contractility- para