Autonomic Nervous System Function
What are the targets of autonomic regulation (5)?
-Smooth muscle -Cardiac muscle -Metabolism (liver) -Hormones (kidneys) -Secretory glands
What mechanisms does the sympathetic ANS use to shunt blood from organs to the muscle (2)?
-Vasoconstrict organ blood flow -Vasodilate skeletal muscle blood flow
What is the function of the autonomic nervous system?
To maintain homeostasis. Nerves regulate secretory glands, cardiac and smooth muscle.
Describe the functional organization of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS is divided into the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions. These two opposing control systems work in concert to create a balance and achieve homeostasis.
What mechanisms does the parasympathetic ANS use to increase urinary output (2)?
-Contract bladder walls -Dilate bladder sphincters
What mechanisms does the parasympathetic ANS use to shut down (oppose/balance) the fight or flight response (3)?
-Decrease heart rate and contractile force -Constrict bronchi -Constrict pupils
List the types of smooth muscle function controlled by the ANS (6).
-Eye -Vasculature -Uterus -Bronchioles -GI -GU
List the processes of cardiac function that are controlled by the ANS (2).
-Force -Rate
List the processes of metabolism (liver function) that are controlled by the ANS (2).
-Gluconeogenesis -Glycogenolysis
What are the regulators of the slow autonomic response (1)?
-Hormones
List the specific functions of the parasympathetic ANS (3).
-Increase digestion and secretion -Shut down (oppose/balance) fight or flight response
What mechanisms does the parasympathetic ANS use to increase digestion (3)?
-Increase gastric acid secretion -Contract gut walls -Relax gut sphincters
List the specific functions of the sympathetic ANS (4).
-Increase transport of oxygen and glucose to the skeletal muscles -Thermoregulation (need to cool down) -Widen pupils (better vision) -Shut down unnecessary organ function
How does the parasympathetic ANS increase digestion and excretion (2)?
-Increase urinary output -Increase digestion
List the types of secretion controlled by the ANS (4).
-Lacrimation -Salivation -Sweating -GI secretions
What are the regulators of the fast autonomic response (2)?
-Neurotransmitters: CNS efferent control -Autocoids and metabolites: local mediators
What mechanisms does the sympathetic ANS use to shut down unnecessary organ function (4)?
-Relax bladder walls -Constrict bladder sphincters -Relax gut walls -Constrict gut sphincters
What mechanisms does the sympathetic ANS use to increase oxygen and glucose transport to the brain (5)?
-Relax bronchi -Shunt blood from organs to muscle -Increase glucose production in the liver -Increase heart rate and contractile force -Increase water volume through hormones
List the processes of kidney function that are controlled by the ANS (1).
-Renin release
What is the function of the parasympathetic division of the ANS?
Energy conservation; rest and digest.
What is the function of the sympathetic division of the ANS?
Energy use; fight or flight response.
