Module  7.4 - The Autonomic Nervous System    

Rest or digest/fight or flight - it's the ANS that will make the final call. 

Module 7.4 Warm-Up 

Directions: In your module guide complete pick three of the following organs/systems and describe both the sympathetic and parasympathetic effects on the structure. Also, and more importantly, describe why this effect happens (ie: what is the physiological significance of that particular action taking place - you may have to make some predictions here, or do some additional research...) Here are the structures/systems to choose from: 

1) Urinary bladder

2) Eye (Iris)

3) Heart (Coronary blood vessels) 

4) Gallbladder

5) Salivary glands 

6) Lungs 

7) Blood vessels 

Use page 538 in the college text and 260 in the essentials book for assistance in this activity. 

Essential Vocab: 

Preganglionic neuron, preganglionic axon, postganglionic neuron, postganglionic axon, acetycholine, norepinephrine, dual innervation, parasympathetic division, sympathetic division, craniosacral division, terminal ganglia, cardiac plexus, pulmonary plexus, visceral sensory neurons, visceral reflex arcs, referred pain, cholinergic fibers, adrenergic fibers, nicotinic receptors, muscarinic receptors, sympathetic tone, parasympathetic tone, biofeedback, nerve growth factor, orthostatic hypotension 

Module Objectives: 

  1. Introduction

       1.  Define autonomic nervous system and explain its relationship to the peripheral nervous system.

       2.  Compare the somatic and autonomic nervous systems relative to effectors, efferent pathways, and neurotransmitters released.

       3.  Compare and contrast the functions of the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions.

    ANS Anatomy

       4.  For the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions, describe the site of CNS origin, locations of ganglia, and general fiber pathways.

    ANS Physiology

       5.  Define cholinergic and adrenergic fibers, and list the different types of their receptors.

       6.  Describe the clinical importance of drugs that mimic or inhibit adrenergic or cholinergic effects.

       7.  State the effects of the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions on the following organs: heart, blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, adrenal medulla, and external genitalia.

       8.  Describe autonomic nervous system controls.

    Homeostatic Imbalances of the ANS

       9.  Explain the relationship of some types of hypertension, Raynaud’s disease, and autonomic dysreflexia to disorders of autonomic functioning.

    Developmental Aspects of the ANS

    10.  Describe some effects of aging on the autonomic nervous system.