14.1.1.1 Activation of the sympathetic nervous system

• What part of the brain activates the sympathetic nervous system?

  Hypothalamus
• What are the key components of the Sympathomedullary Pathway (SAM)?

  • Activation of the sympathetic nervous system
  • Increased heart rate and alertness
  • Signals sent to the adrenal medulla
  • Release of adrenaline
  • Preparation for fight or flight response
• How does the fight or flight response differ from the rest and digest response of the parasympathetic nervous system?

  The fight or flight response prepares the body for intense physical activity, while the rest and digest response conserves energy
• What does the sympathetic nervous system activate when facing danger?

  Fight-or-flight response
• What are the steps involved in the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in the SAM pathway?

  1. Triggering the adrenal medulla
  2. Stimulating hormone release
  3. Preparing body for immediate action
• What happens to the sympathetic nervous system during a threat?

  It activates, increasing heart rate and alertness
• What does the sympathetic nervous system signal to release?

  Adrenaline
• What are the three main steps in activating the sympathetic nervous system?

  1. Hypothalamus activates sympathetic neurons
  2. Impulses travel to sympathetic chain
  3. Nerve fibers branch out to organs
• What are the sympathetic chain and its function?

  Ganglion chains along the spine
• What is the primary function of the Sympathomedullary Pathway?

  To deal with stress in the body
• What does SAM stand for?

  Sympathomedullary Pathway
• When does the sympathetic nervous system activate?

  When the body is under stress
• What is the overall purpose of the physiological changes during sympathetic activation?

  To prepare the body for immediate action
• What is the primary aim of the sympathetic nervous system?

  Prepare the body for fight-or-flight
• What does the sympathetic division stimulate the release of?

  Epinephrine and norepinephrine
• How do dilated pupils affect vision?

  They enhance vision and focus
• What triggers sympathetic activation in the body?

  The hypothalamus
• What does bronchi dilation increase?

  Oxygen intake
• How does sympathetic activation affect heart rate?

  It accelerates the heart
• What does sympathetic activation stimulate the production of?

  Adrenaline
• What does the sympathetic nervous system do?

  • Triggers the "fight or flight" response
  • Increases heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate
  • Diverts blood flow away from digestive system
  • Prepares the body for intense physical activity
• What are the effects of the sympathetic nervous system response?

  • Dilated pupils: Enhance vision and focus
  • Accelerated heart: Boost blood circulation
  • Bronchi dilation: Increase oxygen intake
  • Inhibited saliva: Conserve energy
  • Increased glucose: Provide extra energy
  • Adrenaline stimulation: Heighten alertness and strength
• How does the hypothalamus activate the sympathetic nervous system?

  The hypothalamus triggers the sympathetic nervous system
• What does the image in the study material illustrate about the sympathetic pathway?

  It shows the pathway's reach throughout the body
• What is the effect of an accelerated heart rate?

  It boosts blood circulation
• What is the name of the nervous system shown in the image?

  Autonomic nervous system
• What is the effect of sympathetic activation on pupil size?

  It dilates pupils
• What is the purpose of accelerating the heart during sympathetic activation?

  To increase blood flow for faster response
• What happens to saliva production during sympathetic activation?

  It is inhibited
• Who directs the physiological changes during sympathetic activation?

  The hypothalamus's control center
• How do adrenaline and noradrenaline facilitate the fight or flight response?

  • Increase heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate
  • Dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow to muscles
  • Increase blood glucose levels
  • Stimulate the release of energy stores
• Why is saliva inhibited during the sympathetic response?

  To conserve energy
• What are the two main responses triggered by the Sympathomedullary Pathway?

  Fight or flight response
• What are the effects of the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions on the body?

  Parasympathetic:

  • Constricts pupil
  • Stimulates saliva and tear production
  • Constricts bronchi
  • Slows heart
  • Stimulates stomach, pancreas and intestines
  • Stimulates urination
  • Promotes erection of genitals

  
  

  Sympathetic:

  • Dilates pupil
  • Inhibits saliva production
  • Dilates bronch
  • Accelerates heart
  • Stimulates epinephrine and norepinephrine release
  • Stimulates glucose release
  • Inhibits stomach, pancreas and intestines
  • Inhibits urination
  • Promotes ejaculation and vagina contractions
• What is the primary response activated by the sympathetic nervous system?

  Fight-or-flight
• What is the purpose of increased glucose during stress?

  To provide extra energy
• Why does sympathetic activation dilate pupils?

  To improve vision and light sensitivity
• What is the overall purpose of the sympathetic nervous system response?

  • Prepares the body for immediate action
  • Critical for survival in threatening situations
• What is the type of autonomic nervous system shown in the image?

  Involuntary
• How does the hypothalamus send signals to activate the sympathetic nervous system?

  Through direct nerve fibers and sympathetic chain