AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM


26 Jan 1995, 30 Jan '97, 29 Jan 98, 3 Feb 03, 31 Jan 05, 4 Feb 08

EM p. 457-, Martini’s 5th: 504-525 Martini’s 6th: 533-552


ANS (p 519) is ultimately controlled by the hypothalamus and enervates smooth & cardiac muscles as well as glands. It acts to ration the body’s energy by shunting blood, altering secretions, etc.

 

      Parasympathetic  Feed or breed    regulates digestive functions, enhancing digestion and absorption.

      Sympathetic         Fight or flight    favors physical activity

 

OVERVIEW: both have           1) a preganglionic neuron           in the Central Nervous System

                                                    2) a post ganglionic neuron        in the Peripheral Nervous System


generalized feature:

Sympathetic features: (p. 523)

(thoracolumbar division)

Parasympathetic features: (craniosacral division) (p 528)

preganglionic neuron

(in Central NS)

lateral grey horns

hypothalamus,

brain stem or

sacral lateral grey horn 

post ganglionic neuron

(Peripheral NS)

chain ganglia (T1-L2) or splanchnic nerve to collateral ganglion

terminal ganglia

post ganglionic neurotransmitter

noradrenaline

acetyl choline

 

SympatheticPathway (p 522): lateral gray horn, ventral root, white ramus communicans, chain ganglion then one of three pathways:1) gray ramus to spinal nerve

2) chain ganglia to other ganglion and spinal nerve, or

  3)unsynapsed via splanchnic nerve to collateral ganglion (plexus) or adrenal medulla.

EFFECTS (p 532 &533)

ORGAN

Sympathetic trait or effect

Parasympathetic: 

heart, respiration

increase rate and pressure

reduce rate and pressure

arrector pili

contract

 

GI tract

decrease secretion and motility

stimulate peristalsis, secretion

bronchioles

dilate

constrict

bladder, anal and urinary sphincters

relax

constrict

pupil

dilate (radial muscles contract)

constrict (circular muscles)

ciliary muscle

relax (focus far away)

 

adrenal medulla

stimulate

 

sweat glands

stimulate

 

GI tract

inhibit peristalsis

stimulate peristalsis

liver

increase glucose release

glycogen synthesis

arteries to skel muscles

dilate

 

arteries to viscera and skin, veins

constrict

 

lacrimal glands

 

secrete

reproductive organs

male: ejaculation,

female: uterus contracts

male: erection