The Autonomic Nervous System

Objective:  c09ob25 – Define the purpose of the autonomic nervous system. (1)

  1. Define Autonomic Nervous System:
  2. What are the primary targets of the ANS?
  3. What is meant by autonomic (involuntary)?

Objective:  c09ob26 – State the pathway of the visceral reflex. (1)  (E book 9.5b Neural Pathways)

  1. In autonomic pathways, the signal must travel across     neurons to get to the target cell.
  2. One neuron will pass through a      to meet the other neuron.
  3. Effectors are:    muscle,      muscle, and some glands

Objective:  c08ob02 – State the two autonomic nervous system subdivisions.  (E book 9.5c Subdivisions)

Name the two divisions of the ANS.

Objective:  c09ob28 – State which Autonomic Nervous System is called the “fight or flight system” and explain why.(2)

Objective: c09ob29 – State which Autonomic Nervous System is called the “rest and repose” or “housekeeping” system and explain why. (2)

Objective:  c09ob27 –  Compare the sympathetic and parasympathetic in terms of: (2)

  • function (see above)
  • which controls the adrenal medulla
  • cholinergic vs. adrenergic(E book 9.5d)
  • the neurotransmitters they release (E book 9.5d)
  • their functions in controlling heart rate, breathing rate, and digestion (Table 9.3)

ANS maintains homeostasis of the viscera (organs).  The heart is dual innervated.  That means both the sympathetic and parasympathetic innervate the heart.  They are antagonistic meaning one slows the heart rate and decreases the force of contraction and the other speeds up the heart rate and increases the force of contraction.

  • Sympathetic reflexes – what neurotransmitter is used on the effector, the heart?
Effector

Preganglionic                             Postganglionic

 

  • Parasympathetic reflexes – what neurotransmitter is used on the effector, the heart?
Effector

Preganglionic                         Postganglionic

 

Cholinergic – means the postganglionic neuron releases acetylcholine.  Which system is cholinergic – the sympathetic or the parasympathetic?

Adrenergic – means the postganglionic neuron releases norepinephrine.  Which system is cholinergic – the sympathetic or the parasympathetic?

Which system controls secretion by the adrenal medulla – the sympathetic or the parasympathetic?  What two hormones are released by the adrenal medulla?

Using Table 9.3 Fill in the following:  E book 9.5e

  Sympathetic Parasympathetic
Effect on heart

 

 Increases heart rate and force of contraction  
Effect on breathing rate (air flow)

 

    
Effect on bronchioles

 

    
Effect on digestion (look at gastric motility)

 

   Increases digestion rate

 

Higher Level Regulation of ANS

  • Emotions, Depression, and Anxiety can all affect the ANS. In the E book what are the four functions that may be affected?

In the healthcare field, it is very important to understand that emotions affect our body. An individual under stress can exhibit many symptoms that are stress related.  If you are stressed what signs and symptoms may you exhibit?