Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?
To supply innervation to viscera and smooth muscles.
The activity of the autonomic nervous system is under direct conscious control.
False
Which of the following statements about the autonomic nervous system is true?
The two sets of nerves in the autonomic nervous system are __________ and __________.
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What is the general function of both sets of nerves in the autonomic nervous system?
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What happens to the systemic blood vessels under sympathetic stimulation?
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What is the effect of parasympathetic stimulation on the bronchioles?
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What effect does sympathetic stimulation have on heart rate?
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Parasympathetic stimulation causes the pupil of the eye to dilate.
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Stomach and intestinal motility and tone increase under sympathetic stimulation.
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What happens to gastric secretion during parasympathetic stimulation?
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Match the effects on the urinary bladder between sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation:
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Under sympathetic stimulation, salivary glands are stimulated to produce ______ saliva.
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What is the effect of sympathetic stimulation on the lacrimal gland?
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Under sympathetic stimulation, pancreatic secretion decreases insulin and increases glucose.
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Study Notes
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Overview
- Responsible for innervating viscera (internal organs) and smooth muscles.
- Functions largely independently, not under direct conscious control.
Divisions of the ANS
- Comprised of two primary divisions: sympathetic and parasympathetic.
- Both divisions work together to regulate organ function and maintain homeostasis.
Nerve Functionality
- Efferent nerves are primarily involved, signaling from the central nervous system to target organs.
- Sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves generally innervate the same organs and glands, allowing for a balance in responses.
Sympathetic Stimulation Effects
- Systemic blood vessels constrict, leading to increased blood pressure.
- Bronchioles dilate, facilitating airflow to the lungs.
- Heart rate and strength of contraction increase (positive chronotropic and inotropic effects).
- Pupils dilate (mydriasis) to enhance vision in low light.
- Decrease in stomach and intestinal motility reduces digestive activity.
- Gastric secretion is decreased, slowing digestion.
- Urinary bladder sphincter contracts, inhibiting urination.
- Bladder wall relaxes, allowing the bladder to fill.
- Salivary glands produce viscid (thick) saliva, aiding in digestion.
- Sweat glands are stimulated, increasing perspiration for thermoregulation.
- Lacrimal glands are not innervated, resulting in no stimulation.
- Blood vessels in the skin and splanchnic region contract, redirecting blood flow to vital organs.
- Pancreatic function decreases insulin and increases glucose levels in the blood.
- Pilomotor smooth muscles contract, causing hair to stand on end (goosebumps).
Parasympathetic Stimulation Effects
- Systemic blood vessels dilate, resulting in decreased blood pressure.
- Bronchioles constrict, reducing airflow.
- Heart rate and strength of contraction decrease (negative chronotropic and inotropic effects).
- Pupils constrict (miosis) to protect the retina and allow for better near vision.
- Stomach and intestinal motility and tone increase, promoting digestion.
- Gastric secretion increases, aiding in food processing.
- Urinary bladder sphincter dilates, facilitating urination.
- Bladder wall contracts, promoting the expulsion of urine.
- Salivary glands produce watery saliva, enhancing digestion.
- Lacrimal glands are stimulated, resulting in increased tear production.
- Blood vessels in the skin and splanchnic region remain unchanged.
- Pancreatic function increases insulin and decreases blood glucose levels.
- Pilomotor smooth muscles are not activated, resulting in relaxation.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the autonomic nervous system, its functions, and its role in maintaining homeostasis. Learn about the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and how they regulate organs and glands.
