The Nervous System: Autonomic Nervous System

These flashcards encompass key terms and concepts from the lecture on the Autonomic Nervous System.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The visceral motor system controlling involuntary functions of glands, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle.

Visceral Reflexes

Unconscious, automatic, stereotyped responses of visceral effectors to stimuli.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'fight-or-flight' responses, increasing heart rate and blood glucose.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'rest and digest' responses, calming the body and stimulating digestion.

Autonomic Tone

The balance between the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Preganglionic Fiber

Nerve fiber with its cell body in the brainstem or spinal cord that terminates in a ganglion.

Postganglionic Fiber

Nerve fiber with its cell body in a ganglion that extends to the target organ.

Comparison of Somatic and Autonomic Nervous Systems

Distinguishes between voluntary control of skeletal muscles and involuntary control of glands and smooth/cardiac muscles.

Thoracolumbar Division

Refers to the sympathetic division where preganglionic neurosomas are located in lateral horns of the spinal cord.

Craniosacral Division

Refers to the parasympathetic division which has long preganglionic fibers and short postganglionic fibers.

Enteric Nervous System

A subdivision of the autonomic nervous system that governs the function of the gastrointestinal system.

Horner Syndrome

A disorder of the autonomic nervous system characterized by unilateral pupillary constriction and lid drooping due to sympathetic lesions.

Raynaud Disease

A condition characterized by paleness, cyanosis, and pain in digits due to excessive vasoconstriction, often seen in young women.