Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the divisions of the autonomic nervous system, their functions, and effects on the body.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that promotes 'rest and digest' functions, aiding in maintenance functions like digestion and urine formation.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses during times of stress.

Preganglionic Neuron

A neuron that comes before a ganglion in the autonomic nervous system, transmitting signals to postganglionic neurons.

Postganglionic Neuron

A neuron whose cell body is located within a ganglion and whose axon extends to the target organ.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter released by postganglionic sympathetic neurons that binds to receptors on target cells to mediate the 'fight or flight' response.

Beta-1 Receptors

Receptors on cardiac muscle cells that norepinephrine binds to, increasing heart rate and contraction strength.

Beta-2 Receptors

Receptors on smooth muscle cells allowing dilation of bronchioles and blood vessels in skeletal muscles, increasing airflow and blood flow.

Alpha-1 Receptors

Receptors that bind norepinephrine and mediate vasoconstriction of blood vessels serving digestive, urinary, and integumentary systems.

Vagus Nerve

The main parasympathetic nerve that innervates thoracic and abdominal organs, contributing to 90% of parasympathetic output.

Homeostasis

The stable condition of an organism and its internal environment; balanced between sympathetic and parasympathetic functions.

Glucagon

A hormone released from the pancreas that increases blood glucose levels, stimulated by norepinephrine binding to beta-2 receptors.

Muscarinic Receptors

Receptors found on sweat glands that bind acetylcholine (ACh) to increase sweat gland secretion.

Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

A hormone and neurotransmitter released by the adrenal glands, part of the body's response during stressful situations.