The Autonomic Nervous System

• What is the role of the autonomic nervous system?

  To transmit information to and from internal organs to sustain life
• What types of actions does the autonomic nervous system regulate?

  Involuntary actions such as heart beating, digestion, body temperature regulation, heart rate, and blood pressure
• How does the autonomic nervous system maintain homeostasis?

  By having two branches, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which have opposite effects
• What are the two branches of the autonomic nervous system?

  The sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system
• What is the primary function of the sympathetic division?

  To help deal with emergency situations, such as the fight or flight response
• What neurotransmitter does the sympathetic division use to stimulate its effects?

  Noradrenaline
• What physiological changes occur due to the sympathetic nervous system's activation?

  Increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and lowered digestive activities
• What neurotransmitter is used by the parasympathetic nervous system?

  Acetylcholine
• What effects does the parasympathetic nervous system have on the body?

  It lowers heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and increases digestive activity
• How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems interact during an emergency?

  The sympathetic nervous system activates during emergencies, while the parasympathetic nervous system restores normal functioning afterward