Autonomic Nervous System

Flashcards covering key concepts of the Autonomic Nervous System from lecture notes.

Autonomic Nervous System

A division of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions.

Somatic Nervous System

Part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movements by innervating skeletal muscles.

Preganglionic Neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the central nervous system to autonomic ganglia.

Postganglionic Neurons

Neurons that carry signals from autonomic ganglia to effector organs.

Cholinergic Receptors

Receptors that respond to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors that respond to adrenergic neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Parasympathetic Division

The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for rest-and-digest functions.

Sympathetic Division

The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for fight-or-flight responses.

Dual Innervation

The concept that many organs are innervated by both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers.

Homeostasis

The ability of the body to maintain a stable internal environment.

Ganglia

Clusters of nerve cell bodies in the autonomic nervous system.

Visceral Reflex Arcs

Reflex pathways that involve the autonomic nervous system and control involuntary functions.

Epinephrine

A hormone released by the adrenal medulla that prepares the body for fight-or-flight.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter involved in the sympathetic nervous system.

Craniosacral Division

Another name for the parasympathetic division based on its origin in the brain and sacral region.

Thoracolumbar Division

Another name for the sympathetic division based on its origin at the levels of the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord.

Vasomotor Tone

The state of partial constriction of blood vessels, controlled by the sympathetic nervous system.

Denticulate Ligaments

Fibrous strips extending from the pia mater to secure the spinal cord to the dura mater.

Filum Terminale

A fibrous extension of the spinal cord that anchors it to the coccyx.

Cauda Equina

A collection of nerve roots at the lower end of the spinal cord.

Reflex Center

A region in the spinal cord that processes reflex action.