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Questions and Answers
What is the main function of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?
How does the sympathetic division impact metabolic rate?
What effect does the sympathetic division have on digestion?
Which division of the autonomic nervous system stimulates skeletal muscles during intense exercise?
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What is the primary role of the autonomic nervous system?
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Which outflow is associated with the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system?
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What is the primary neurotransmitter used by the sympathetic nervous system?
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What is the main function of vasoconstriction mediated by the sympathetic division?
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Which neurotransmitter induces lipolysis and generates heat in brown fat?
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In which roots are the greatest number of fibers found that innervate the sympathetic division?
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What is the main function of the sympathetic division in thermoregulation?
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Which of the following is NOT an important neurotransmitter in the sympathetic division?
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What is the primary function of the somatic nervous system?
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Which type of neurons make up the somatic nervous system?
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Where are the upper motor neurons (UMN) located in the somatic nervous system?
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Which disease can affect both the peripheral nervous system and muscle tissue, leading to muscle weakness?
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What role does the somatic nervous system play in maintaining posture and balance?
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Which part of the peripheral nervous system does the somatic nervous system belong to?
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Study Notes
Autonomic Nervous System - Sympathetic Division
The autonomic nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, glands, and metabolism. It consists of two divisions: the sympathetic division (also known as the thoracolumbar outflow) and the parasympathetic division (also called the craniosacral outflow). In this article, we will focus on the sympathetic division.
Functions of the Sympathetic Division
Activating the Body
The sympathetic division is responsible for preparing the body for strenuous physical activity by increasing heart rate, respiration rate, and blood flow to skeletal muscles. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to working muscle tissue during intense exercise.
Regulating Metabolic Rate
By increasing metabolic rate, the sympathetic division controls the body's response to stressors like cold temperatures, fear, or fasting, which can increase energy expenditure and promote fat loss.
Impacting Digestion
During high metabolic states, the parasympathetic nervous system inhibits digestive processes while the sympathetic nervous system stimulates them. Consequently, food consumption increases and digestive function slows down when the body needs more resources to deal with stress.
Peripheral Vascular Response
The vasoconstriction mediated by the sympathetic division maintains normal blood pressure, diverts blood flow away from internal organs to essential areas, and provides the necessary oxygen to maintain muscular contraction.
Facilitating Thermoregulation
The sympathetic division can facilitate thermogenesis through non-shivering heat production in brown fat by stimulating the release of norepinephrine, which induces lipolysis and generates heat via uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)(6).
Key Players in the Sympathetic Division
Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitter acetylcholine plays a key role in the parasympathetic nervous system, while norepinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter used by the sympathetic nervous system. Other important neurotransmitters in the sympathetic division include dopamine, serotonin, histamine, and many others.
Innervation
The sympathetic division is innervated by a number of spinal nerve roots, with the greatest number of fibers in the first thoracic and second, third, and fourth lumbar roots.
Autonomic Nervous System - Sympathetic Division: What You Need to Remember
The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is vital for activating the body, regulating metabolic rate, impacting digestion, facilitating peripheral vascular response, and aiding in thermoregulation. It uses neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and is innervated by spinal nerve roots, primarily the first thoracic and second to fourth lumbar roots.
In summary, the sympathetic division is a crucial part of the autonomic nervous system, ensuring that our bodies are prepared to handle physical stress and function effectively in various situations.
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Description
Explore the functions and key players of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. Learn how it activates the body, regulates metabolic rate, impacts digestion, facilitates peripheral vascular response, and aids in thermoregulation. Understand the role of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and the innervation of the sympathetic division.
