autonomic nervous system physiology
DESCRIPTION
Autonomic nervous systemTRANSCRIPT
Objectives
• Briefly describe autonomic nervous system
• Describe main functions of parasympathetic and sympathetic system
Overview
• The autonomic nervous system functions outside of our conscious awareness
• The autonomic nervous system makes routine adjustments in our body’s systems
• The autonomic nervous system:• Regulates body temperature• Coordinates cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and reproductive
functions
Subdivisions of Autonomic Nervous System• The autonomic nervous system consists of two major subdivisions• Sympathetic division• Also called the thoracolumbar division• Known as the “fight or flight” system
• Parasympathetic division• Also called the craniosacral division• Known as the “rest and digest” system
Major components
• Neuron• Sensory- Afferent• Motor – Efferent
• Neurotransmitter• endogenous chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse
• Effector Effector Organs• specific tissues stimulated by the autonomic specific tissues stimulated by the
autonomic nervous system
Neurotransmitters
• Acetylcholine• Pre -ganglionic Neurotransmitter for both systems• Post -ganglionic neurotransmitter for the parasympathetic nervous system
• Norepinephrine• Post -ganglionic neurotransmitter for the sympathetic Nervous system
Synapse
• Junction of Pre and Post synaptic neurons• Neurotransmitter produced in presynaptic membrane• Moves across synaptic space• binds with receptor on postsynaptic membrane• causes impulse potential
Adrenal Medulla
• This area of the nervous system is also stimulated by the release of norepinephrine.• This releases noradrenalin & adrenalin• These are released into the body to also react with receptors and prolong the
effects of sympathetic stimulation