autonomic nervous system

• What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?

  Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
• What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

  To control involuntary body functions
• What are the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

  Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
• What does the sympathetic nervous system primarily prepare the body for?

  Fight or flight response
• What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?

  To promote rest and digest functions
• What neurotransmitter is released by sympathetic postganglionic neurons?

  Noradrenaline
• What neurotransmitter is released by parasympathetic postganglionic neurons?

  Acetylcholine
• What is the function of the enteric nervous system?

  To govern the function of the gastrointestinal tract
• What is the anatomical difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

  Sympathetic is thoracolumbar, parasympathetic is craniosacral
• What physiological changes occur during sympathetic activation?

  Increased heart rate and bronchodilation
• What physiological changes occur during parasympathetic activation?

  Decreased heart rate and increased digestion
• What are the main functions of the sympathetic nervous system?

  • Increases heart rate
  • Dilates pupils
  • Bronchodilation
  • Inhibits digestion
  • Inhibits salivation
  • Increases blood glucose
• What are the main functions of the parasympathetic nervous system?

  • Decreases heart rate
  • Constricts pupils
  • Increases digestion
  • Stimulates salivation
  • Promotes urination
  • Promotes defecation
• How does the autonomic nervous system maintain homeostasis?

  By balancing sympathetic and parasympathetic activity
• What is the role of visceral sensory neurons in the autonomic nervous system?

  To monitor internal conditions like temperature and pain
• What is the significance of the adrenal gland in the sympathetic nervous system?

  It releases adrenaline during extreme emergencies
• What physiological outputs can be measured to assess autonomic nervous system activity?

  Cardiac output, sweat production, and breathing rate
• What happens to saliva production during sympathetic activation?

  It is inhibited, leading to a drier mouth
• What is alpha-amylase and its role in the autonomic nervous system?

  It breaks down carbohydrates for energy during sympathetic activation
• What are the key differences between cholinergic and adrenergic signaling?

  • Cholinergic: Uses acetylcholine, involved in both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
  • Adrenergic: Uses noradrenaline, primarily involved in sympathetic system
• What are the inputs and outputs of the autonomic nervous system?

  Inputs:

  • Sensory neurons from peripheral organs
  • Centers in hypothalamus and medulla

  
  

  Outputs:

  • Sympathetic or parasympathetic neurons to organs
  • Generally opposing actions
• What is the simplified pathway for visceral sensory information?

  Sensory neurons to spinothalamic tract to thalamus to cerebral cortex
• What is the role of the vagus nerve in the autonomic nervous system?

  It is a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system
• What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

  To regulate involuntary bodily functions
• What is the significance of the sympathetic nervous system in acute stress response?

  It prepares the body for fight or flight
• How does the autonomic nervous system influence the cardiovascular system?

  By regulating heart rate and blood vessel diameter
• What is the role of the hypothalamus in the autonomic nervous system?

  It integrates autonomic functions and regulates homeostasis
• What is the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system?

  They work together to regulate bodily functions during stress
• What is the primary neurotransmitter involved in cholinergic signaling?

  Acetylcholine
• What is the primary neurotransmitter involved in adrenergic signaling?

  Noradrenaline
• What is the effect of sympathetic activation on blood vessels?

  It causes vasoconstriction in non-essential organs
• What is the effect of parasympathetic activation on blood vessels?

  It causes vasodilation in essential organs
• What is the role of the adrenal medulla in the autonomic nervous system?

  It releases adrenaline during sympathetic activation
• What is the significance of the sympathetic nervous system in regulating sweat glands?

  It increases sweat production during stress
• What is the role of alpha-amylase in the autonomic nervous system?

  It aids in carbohydrate breakdown during sympathetic activation
• What physiological outputs can be monitored to assess autonomic nervous system activity?

  Cardiac output, sweat production, and breathing rate
• What is the relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

  They generally have opposing actions to maintain homeostasis
• What effect does stress have on saliva flow?

  It reduces overall saliva flow, leading to a drier mouth.
• Why does the body reduce saliva flow during stress?

  Because it prioritizes other bodily functions during stressful situations.
• What is the role of alpha-amylase in saliva?

  Alpha-amylase is required to break down carbohydrates for energy.