The Autonomic Nervous System

A collection of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms related to the autonomic nervous system from the lecture notes.

Autonomic Nervous System

Controls cardiac and smooth muscle and glands; manages involuntary responses and maintains homeostasis.

Somatic Nervous System

Causes contraction of skeletal muscle; controls voluntary responses.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Associated with 'fight-or-flight' responses; prepares the body for stressful situations.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Associated with 'rest and digest' responses; promotes maintenance activities.

Dual Innervation

Most organs receive input from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Hypogastric Plexus

A nerve plexus that serves the pelvic organs, involving splanchnic nerves.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter released by both preganglionic and postganglionic neurons in the parasympathetic system.

Norepinephrine

Neurotransmitter released by postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system.

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

Hormone released by the adrenal medulla in response to sympathetic activation.

Autonomic Reflex Arc

Helps maintain internal homeostasis through involuntary responses and various internal parameters.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

Cholinergic Synapses

Synapses where acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter.

Adrenergic Synapses

Synapses where norepinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter.

Sympathetic Dominance

Occurs during stress, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Parasympathetic Dominance

Predominates during restful states, leading to decreased heart rate and increased digestive activity.

Enteric Nervous System

A part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for regulating digestive functions.

Neurotransmitter

Chemical messenger that transmits signals across a synapse.