Autonomic Nervous System Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the autonomic nervous system, including its subdivisions, neuron types, and physiological responses.

Autonomic Nervous System

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

Preganglionic Neuron

A neuron with its cell body in the CNS that projects its axon to a peripheral ganglion.

Postganglionic Neuron

A neuron that originates in a peripheral ganglion and carries signals to an effector.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations, also known as the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system associated with rest and digestion, promoting relaxation and recovery.

Thoracolumbar Outflow

The location of sympathetic preganglionic neuron cell bodies within the T1-L2 spinal cord.

Craniosacral Outflow

The location of parasympathetic preganglionic neuron cell bodies in the brainstem and S2-S4 spinal cord.

Ganglion

A cluster of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system.

Viscera

The internal organs of the body, particularly those within the chest and abdomen.

Rest and Digest Response

The physiological effects induced by the parasympathetic nervous system that promote energy conservation and body maintenance.

Sympathetic Trunk Ganglia

Pairs of ganglia located alongside the vertebral column that are part of the sympathetic nervous system.

Prevertebral Ganglia

Ganglia located near the large arteries in the abdominal cavity that are associated with the sympathetic nervous system.

Tone

The balance of activity between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems that determines the state of organs.