Questions and Answers
For which of the following activities is the parasympathetic nervous system generally responsible?
Which of the following is NOT associated with the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?
What differentiates an autonomic reflex from a somatic reflex?
A two-neuron motor pathway
Which of the following best demonstrates an example of cooperation of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems?
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Which of the following is responsible for the overall integration of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?
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The sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS have the same effect on most body organ systems.
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The ANS stimulates smooth muscles, skeletal muscles and glands, whereas the somatic nervous system innervates skeletal muscles only.
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Sympathetic division stimulation causes ________.
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Which of the following does not describe the ANS?
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Which organ receives major input from the sympathetic, but not parasympathetic, division?
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Blood 'shunting' is a dangerous situation in which the vital organs shut down, causing the body to go into circulatory shock.
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Study Notes
Autonomic Nervous System Overview
- The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for "rest and digest" activities, focusing on energy conservation and vital housekeeping tasks.
- The sympathetic nervous system is associated with "fight-or-flight" responses, activated during emergencies and vigorous physical activities.
Reflex Pathways
- Autonomic reflexes differ from somatic reflexes in that they utilize a two-neuron motor pathway, while somatic reflexes use a single motor neuron.
Cooperation Between Nervous Systems
- An example of cooperation between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems occurs during sexual arousal: parasympathetic stimulation leads to erection (vasodilation), while sympathetic stimulation causes ejaculation.
Control Center for Autonomic Nervous System
- The hypothalamus serves as the primary integrator of the ANS, coordinating its activity across the body.
Functional Differences
- The sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions do not produce the same effects on most body organ systems; they often have opposing functions.
- The ANS innervates smooth and cardiac muscles as well as glands, whereas the somatic system innervates only skeletal muscles.
Sympathetic Division Effects
- Stimulation of the sympathetic division results in increased blood glucose levels, decreased gastrointestinal (GI) peristalsis, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
Characteristics of the ANS
- The ANS is also referred to as the general visceral motor system or involuntary nervous system, primarily innervating smooth and cardiac muscle along with glands. It does not innervate all muscle cells.
Unique Innervation
- The skin specifically receives major input from the sympathetic division, while the parasympathetic division does not innervate dermal blood vessels or arrector pili muscles.
Blood "Shunting"
- Blood "shunting" can lead to a critical condition where vital organs begin to shut down, resulting in circulatory shock.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the parasympathetic nervous system with these flashcards from Chapter 14 of Mastering Anatomy & Physiology. Understand its role in regulating resting and digesting activities versus fight-or-flight responses. Enhance your grasp of this crucial aspect of human physiology.
