The Autonomic Nervous System Flashcards
Autonomic Nervous System
Conveys information to and from internal bodily structures that carry out basic life processes such as digestion and respiration.
The Sympathetic Nervous System
Typically activated in response to threats.
Its job is to ready the body for fight or flight.
It stops digestion, diverting blood away from the stomach and to the muscles which may need extra oxygen for an emergency response.
increases heart rate, dilates pupils, causes hairs to stand on end.
Also involved in other states of intense activation such as ejaculation.
The Parasympathetic Nervous System
Supports more mundane / routine activities.
Maintains body’s store of energy, regulates blood-sugar levels, secretes saliva, eliminates wastes.
Regulates heart rate and pupil size.
Once an emergency has passed the parasympathetic nervous system resumes control, reversing sympathetic responses and returns to storing and maintaining energy mode.
