Sympathetic Nervous System

• What is the Sympathetic Nervous System a part of?

  Autonomic Nervous System
• What do postganglionic fibers do?

  Extend from the chain to target organs
• How does the Sympathetic Nervous System prepare the body for stress?

  By increasing arousal and alertness
• What is the benefit of the Resistance stage?

  Extends the ability to cope with stress
• What do sympathetic nerves extend to?

  Various organs
• What is the primary function of the Sympathetic Nervous System?

  It triggers the "fight-or-flight" response
• What is the function of epinephrine?

  Released by adrenal glands during stress
• In what situation might the Sympathetic Nervous System be activated?

  During an important exam or sports game
• Where do the neurons of the sympathetic nervous system extend to?

  To organs throughout the body
• Why does the Sympathetic Nervous System decrease digestive system activity during a "fight-or-flight" response?

  To redirect energy to more immediate needs
• What is the stress response?

  How your body reacts to challenging situations
• What occurs during the Resistance stage of stress response?

  Sustained high energy, elevated blood pressure
• What might a student experience during the Resistance stage while studying?

  Maintaining focus on study material
• What are the three stages of the stress response?

  1. Alarm
  2. Resistance
  3. Exhaustion
• What happens when the sympathetic nervous system activates?

  Neurotransmitters are released across the synaptic cleft
• What are the three processes that control neurotransmitter levels in the synaptic cleft?

  Reuptake, diffusion, and degradation
• What is the effect of the Sympathetic Nervous System on the lungs during a "fight-or-flight" response?

  Bronchioles dilate
• What is the effect of the Sympathetic Nervous System on the heart during a "fight-or-flight" response?

  Increases heart rate and force
• How does the sympathetic nervous system prepare the body for perceived threats?

  By coordinating specific organ responses
• What is the function of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?

  Rest and digest
• What is the primary role of norepinephrine?

  It acts as the primary sympathetic transmitter
• What is the effect of the Sympathetic Nervous System on the adrenal glands during a "fight-or-flight" response?

  Release adrenaline
• How do neurons connect in the sympathetic nervous system?

  • Through a series of synapses
  • At the sympathetic ganglia
  • Creating an organized pathway
• How do the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems relate to each other?

  • They are complementary and antagonistic
  • Necessary to maintain equilibrium in the body
  • Function like yin and yang
• How are neurotransmitters managed in the synaptic cleft?

  • Reuptake: Neurotransmitters are reabsorbed by neurons
  • Diffusion: Neurotransmitters spread away from the synaptic cleft
  • Degradation: Neurotransmitters are broken down by enzymes
• What is the function of sympathetic chain ganglia?

  Where neurons synapse along the spine
• What is the effect of the Sympathetic Nervous System on the skin during a "fight-or-flight" response?

  Sweating increases
• Why do the bronchioles dilate during a "fight-or-flight" response?

  To allow more oxygen to enter the blood
• What are the effects of the Parasympathetic Nervous System?

  Decreases heart rate, constricts pupils, stimulates digestion
• What is the main role of acetylcholine?

  Initial nerve signaling
• Why does the Sympathetic Nervous System increase heart rate and force during a "fight-or-flight" response?

  To pump more blood to the muscles
• How might a student experience the Alarm stage before an exam?

  Feeling nervous and increased heart rate
• What are the key features of the Sympathetic Nervous System compared to the Parasympathetic Nervous System?

  • Function:
  • Sympathetic: Fight-or-flight
  • Parasympathetic: Rest and digest
  • Arousal:
  • Sympathetic: Increases
  • Parasympathetic: Decreases
  • Alertness:
  • Sympathetic: Heightens
  • Parasympathetic: Calms
• What are the sympathetic responses of different organs during arousal?

  • Heart: Increased rate and force
  • Lungs: Bronchioles dilate
  • Pupils: Dilate
  • Digestive System: Slowed activity
  • Adrenal Medulla: Releases adrenaline
• What characterizes the Exhaustion stage of stress response?

  Drained resources, weakened immunity
• What does the Exhaustion stage indicate?

  Overexposure to stress
• Why does sweating increase during a "fight-or-flight" response?

  To cool the body during increased activity
• What happens during the Alarm stage of stress response?

  Increased heart rate, adrenaline release
• What are the main neurotransmitters involved in the sympathetic nervous system?

  • Acetylcholine: Initial nerve signaling
  • Norepinephrine: Primary sympathetic transmitter
  • Epinephrine: Released by adrenal glands
• What is the synaptic cleft?

  Space between neurons where neurotransmitters are released