Chapter 15: The Autonomic Nervous System

This set of flashcards includes key vocabulary and concepts from Chapter 15 on the autonomic nervous system, highlighting its divisions, responses, and reflexes.

Autonomic Nervous System

The division of the nervous system that controls involuntary responses.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system associated with the fight or flight response.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system associated with the rest and digest response.

Fight or Flight Response

Body's automatic reaction to perceived threats, causing physiological changes such as increased heart rate and respiratory rate.

Rest and Digest Response

Body's process that occurs after stress, aiming to help the body relax and stimulate digestive processes.

Preganglionic Nerve Fibers

Nerve fibers that are shorter in the sympathetic nervous system and longer in the parasympathetic nervous system.

Postganglionic Nerve Fibers

Nerve fibers that are longer in the sympathetic nervous system and shorter in the parasympathetic nervous system.

Autonomic Reflexes

Reflexes mediated through the autonomic nervous system that affect smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.

Somatic Reflexes

Reflexes involving stimulation of skeletal muscles by the somatic division of the nervous system.

Long Reflexes

Reflexes that involve the central nervous system.

Short Reflexes

Reflexes that bypass central nervous system integration and involve direct stimulation of postganglionic fibers.

Enteric Nervous System (ENS)

The part of the nervous system that governs the function of the gastrointestinal system.

Examples of Short Reflexes

Reflexes that react to digestive movement and chemical changes.

Examples of Long Reflexes

Reflexes that involve reactions to food, emotion, or danger.