Autonomic Nervous

System

Objectives
Briefly describe autonomic nervous system
Describe main functions of parasympathetic and
sympathetic system

Overview
The autonomic nervous system functions outside of our
conscious awareness
The autonomic nervous system makes routine adjustments
in our bodys systems
The autonomic nervous system:
Regulates body temperature
Coordinates cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, excretory, and
reproductive functions

Subdivisions of Autonomic Nervous

System
The autonomic nervous system consists of two major
subdivisions
Sympathetic division
Also called the thoracolumbar division
Known as the fight or flight system

Parasympathetic division
Also called the craniosacral division
Known as the rest and digest system

Somatic motor neuron

Major components
Neuron
Sensory- Afferent
Motor Efferent

Neurotransmitter
endogenous chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse

Effector Effector Organs

specific tissues stimulated by the autonomic specific tissues
stimulated by the autonomic nervous system

Neurotransmitters
Acetylcholine
Pre -ganglionic Neurotransmitter for both systems
Post -ganglionic neurotransmitter for the parasympathetic
nervous system

Norepinephrine
Post -ganglionic neurotransmitter for the sympathetic Nervous
system

Synapse
Junction of Pre and Post synaptic neurons

Neurotransmitter produced in presynaptic membrane

Moves across synaptic space
binds with receptor on postsynaptic membrane
causes impulse potential

Level of
Autonomic Control

Sympathetic nervous system

Sympathetic ganglion

Adrenal Medulla
This area of the nervous system is also stimulated by
the release of norepinephrine.
This releases
noradrenalin & adrenalin
These are released into the body to also react with receptors
and prolong the effects of sympathetic stimulation

Sympathetic Stimulation

The Parasympathetic Nervous

System

Parasympathetic Stimulation

Thank you