Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems

Question 1

Define: sympathetic nervous system

Answer 1

immediately increases the activity of most visceral muscles, organs and glands at times of vigorous activity, stress or threat

Question 2

Why is the sympathetic nerous system an adaptive function

Answer 2

Allows us to immediately respond to emergencies.

Question 3

How specifically is the sympathetic nervous system activated?

Answer 3

Adrenal medullas in both two adrenal glands release adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream and activates most visceral muscles, organs and glands.

Question 4

Some physiological characteristics of the sympathetic nervous system?

Answer 4

Increased heart/breathng rate (increased oxygen for muscles)
Dilated pupils (max amount of light to enter eyes)
Stimulated sweat glands (prevents overheating), adrenal glands (blushing and goosebumps)
Less contractions of stomach and bladders, less saliva

Question 5

Define: parasympathetic nervous system

Answer 5

gradually decreases the activity of VM’s, O’s and G’s once the threat has been eliminated, to achieve homeostasis

Question 6

Define: homeostasis

Answer 6

The balanced state of normal bodily functioning

Question 7

Is the parasympathetic nervous system involved in everyday activities (eating) and does it dominate the sympathetic nervous system?

Answer 7

Yes

Question 8

Physiological functions of parasympathetic nervous system?

Answer 8

Regulated heart and breathing rate,
constricted pupils
decreased sweat production
… see sympathetic

Question 9

WHy does it take longer for the parasympathetic nervous system to have an effect than the sympathetic on a person?

Answer 9

Sympathetic nervous system immediately releases adrenaline and noradrenaline into body, causing the physiological changes.
Parasympathetic nervous system takes longer to return adrenaline levels to normal levels.