Autonomic Nervous System Overview

A neural pathway where motor neurons extend from CNS to skeletal muscles directly.

A pathway with preganglionic and postganglionic neurons synapsing in autonomic ganglia to control visceral effectors.

All somatic motor neurons release acetylcholine (ACh) as their neurotransmitter.

Sympathetic neurons primarily release norepinephrine; parasympathetic neurons release acetylcholine (ACh).

Skeletal muscles that contract in response to somatic motor neuron activation.

Smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands that respond to autonomic motor neuron activation.

Sensory receptors that monitor internal environmental conditions like blood vessel activity and organ function.

The autonomic nervous system is primarily involuntary but can be regulated by centers in the hypothalamus and brain stem.

Neurons that release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Neurons that release norepinephrine (noradrenalin) as their neurotransmitter.

Cholinergic receptors that respond to acetylcholine and are found in various locations.

Cholinergic receptors that can either excite or inhibit different effectors, depending on their location.

A neurotransmitter released by cholinergic neurons, responsible for signaling between nerves and muscles.

A neurotransmitter released by adrenergic neurons, mainly involved in the 'fight or flight' response.

Neurons that receive signals from ganglion and transmit to effectors in the body.

Two branches of the autonomic nervous system; sympathetic prepares for action, parasympathetic promotes rest.

Medications that reduce blood pressure by blocking epinephrine.

A hormone also known as adrenaline that increases heart rate.

Division of the ANS responsible for 'fight or flight' response.

Division of the ANS that promotes 'rest and digest'.

Outflow of sympathetic neurons from T1 to L2 spinal cord segments.

Outflow of parasympathetic neurons from cranial nerves and sacral segments.

Clusters of nerve cell bodies in the ANS associated with sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Organs that are innervated by the autonomic nervous system.

The balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity regulated by the hypothalamus.

Increased heart rate, blood vessel constriction in non-essential organs, and increased breathing depth.

Acronym for increased Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Digestion, and Defecation.

Pathway consisting of receptor, sensory neuron, integrating center, motor neurons, and effector for autonomic control.

Regulates autonomic tone through balancing sympathetic and parasympathetic inputs.

Vasoconstriction due to excessive sympathetic stimulation, causing numbness in fingers and toes.

Increases heart rate and strength, releases glucose, dilates blood vessels in essential organs during stress.

Heart rate, blood pressure, and vessel diameter controlled by autonomic reflexes.

Ganglia located anterior and lateral to the vertebral column that are part of the sympathetic nervous system.

Ganglia located in front of the vertebral column where some sympathetic axons synapse.

Neurons that originate in the brain or spinal cord and synapse with ganglia.

A major autonomic plexus in the abdomen named after the celiac artery.

Part of the autonomic nervous system that activates the 'fight or flight' response.

The part of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and restores the body.

Parts of the spinal cord from which parasympathetic preganglionic neurons originate.

Neurons located in the lateral gray horns of the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord.

Short axon neurons in the sympathetic system that synapse widely.

Long axon neurons in the parasympathetic system that synapse with few postganglionic neurons.

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons release acetylcholine; most postganglionic release norepinephrine.

Both preganglionic and postganglionic neurons release acetylcholine.

Body's responses to stress: fight-or-flight mechanism.

Rest-and-digest activities that conserve energy.

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons have short axons.

Parasympathetic preganglionic neurons have long axons.