Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Nervous System

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, highlighting their differences and roles in physiological responses.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Responsible for the body's fight or flight responses.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Responsible for the body's rest and digest responses.

Fight or Flight

A physiological response to perceived harmful events, attacks, or threats that prepares the body to either fight or flee.

Rest and Digest

Physiological processes that occur when the body is relaxed and in a state conducive to digestion.

Norepinephrine

The neurotransmitter primarily involved in the sympathetic nervous system's stimulating responses.

Acetylcholine

The neurotransmitter primarily involved in the parasympathetic nervous system's responses.

EPSPs (Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials)

Electrical changes that increase the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential.

IPSPs (Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials)

Electrical changes that decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential.

Skeletal Muscle Engagement

Activation of muscles used for movement, important during fight or flight.

Cardiac Muscle

Muscle tissue of the heart which increases in activity during sympathetic responses.

Pupil Dilation

A response of the sympathetic nervous system that allows more light into the eye for increased awareness.

Liver Glucose Release

Release of stored glucose from the liver during sympathetic activation to provide energy.

Bronchioles

Small air passages in the lungs that dilate during sympathetic activation to increase oxygen intake.

Stomach Motility

The movement of the stomach that is decreased during sympathetic activation.

Urine Formation

The process of producing urine, which is inhibited during sympathetic responses.

Salivary Glands

Glands that produce saliva, activated during parasympathetic responses to aid in digestion.

Pancreas Secretions

Digestive enzymes released by the pancreas, stimulated during parasympathetic responses.

Heart Rate Decrease

Reduced heart rate during parasympathetic activation to decrease the body's energy expenditure.