Integration and Control of Autonomic Functions

Skin arterioles

Blood vessels in the skin regulating blood flow.

Skeletal muscle arterioles

Blood vessels supplying skeletal muscles with oxygen.

Abdominal viscera arterioles

Blood vessels supplying abdominal organs.

Brain arterioles

Blood vessels supplying the brain's tissues.

Kidney arterioles

Blood vessels regulating blood flow to kidneys.

Systemic veins

Blood vessels returning deoxygenated blood to heart.

Vasoconstriction

Narrowing of blood vessels, increasing blood pressure.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure.

α₁ receptors

Adrenergic receptors causing vasoconstriction.

β₂ receptors

Adrenergic receptors causing vasodilation.

Muscarinic ACh receptors

Receptors mediating vasodilation via acetylcholine.

Autonomic reflex arc

Pathway for autonomic reflex responses.

Sensory receptor

Detects internal stimuli and triggers nerve impulses.

Sensory neuron

Transmits impulses from receptors to CNS.

Integrating center

CNS area relaying signals between neurons.

Motor neurons

Transmit impulses from CNS to effectors.

Preganglionic neuron

Neuron conducting impulses to autonomic ganglion.

Postganglionic neuron

Neuron conducting impulses to target effector.

Effector

Smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, or gland responding.

Interoceptors

Receptors responding to internal body conditions.

Hypothalamus

Brain region regulating autonomic nervous system functions.

Urination reflex

Autonomic reflex controlling bladder sphincter.

Defecation reflex

Autonomic reflex controlling bowel sphincter.

Interoceptors

Sensory receptors responding to internal stimuli.

Sensory Neuron

Conducts impulses from receptors to CNS.

Integrating Center

Processes signals between sensory and motor neurons.

Hypothalamus

Main autonomic reflex integrating center in brain.

Brainstem

Integrates autonomic reflexes alongside hypothalamus.

Spinal Cord

Integrating center for some autonomic reflexes.

Preganglionic Neuron

Conducts impulses from CNS to autonomic ganglion.

Postganglionic Neuron

Transmits impulses from ganglion to effector.

Effector

Muscle or gland responding to motor neuron signals.

Autonomic Reflex

Involuntary response involving smooth or cardiac muscle.

Homeostasis

Balance maintained by nervous and endocrine systems.

Cardiac Muscle

Heart muscle controlled by autonomic nervous system.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle in organs and blood vessels.

Vascular Smooth Muscle

Muscle controlling blood vessel diameter.

Iris Muscles

Control pupil size via contraction and relaxation.

Gallbladder Function

Stores bile; regulated by autonomic nervous system.

Gastric Glands

Secrete digestive juices; autonomically regulated.

Ureter Function

Transport urine; influenced by autonomic control.

Urinary Bladder

Stores urine; autonomic control affects contraction.

Sex Organs

Autonomic control influences reproductive functions.

Arrector Muscles

Cause hair to stand; controlled by autonomic signals.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

Neurotransmitter released by preganglionic neurons.

Norepinephrine (NE)

Primary neurotransmitter released by postganglionic neurons.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels, increasing blood flow.

Sympathetic Division

Part of ANS responsible for fight-or-flight responses.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of ANS responsible for rest-and-digest activities.

Muscarinic Receptors

ACh receptors activated by parasympathetic stimulation.

Adrenergic Receptors

Receptors activated by norepinephrine in sympathetic stimulation.

Epinephrine

Hormone secreted by adrenal medulla during stress.

Glucagon

Hormone promoting glucose release from liver.

Insulin

Hormone regulating glucose uptake in cells.

Sweat Glands

Exocrine glands activated by sympathetic nervous system.

Lipolysis

Breakdown of triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.

Glycogenolysis

Conversion of glycogen into glucose.

Gluconeogenesis

Formation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources.

Renin

Hormone secreted by juxtaglomerular cells in kidneys.

Heart Rate

Speed of heartbeats per minute.

Digestive Enzymes

Biological catalysts aiding in food digestion.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Hormone regulating water balance in kidneys.

Melatonin

Hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles.

Bile Secretion

Production of bile by the liver for digestion.

Fight-or-Flight Response

Physiological reaction to perceived harmful events.

Rest-and-Digest Activities

Physiological processes promoting energy conservation.