Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic Nervous System

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, their responses, pathways, and structural characteristics.

Sympathetic Response

The 'fight or flight' response that increases heart rate, dilates pupils, inhibits digestion, increases blood flow to muscles, and stimulates sweat glands.

Parasympathetic Response

The 'rest and digest' response that slows heart rate, constricts pupils, stimulates digestion, and promotes energy storage.

Adrenal Glands

Glands that secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine, enhancing sympathetic responses.

Vagus Nerve (CN X)

A crucial nerve that carries approximately 75% of all parasympathetic signals, controlling functions of the heart, lungs, and digestive organs.

Sympathetic Trunk

A chain of ganglia located on either side of the vertebral column, connecting spinal nerves to sympathetic pathways.

White Ramus Communicans

Carries preganglionic fibers into the sympathetic trunk.

Gray Ramus Communicans

Carries postganglionic fibers from the sympathetic trunk to spinal nerves.

Splanchnic Nerves

Nerves that carry sympathetic fibers without synapsing in the trunk, instead synapsing in collateral ganglia.

Collateral Ganglia

Ganglia located near target organs that control abdominal and pelvic organs.

Preganglionic Neuron Length in Sympathetic System

Short.

Postganglionic Neuron Length in Sympathetic System

Long.

Preganglionic Neuron Length in Parasympathetic System

Long.

Postganglionic Neuron Length in Parasympathetic System

Short.

Targets of Sympathetic Pathways that Synapse in Trunk

Organs above the diaphragm, such as the heart, lungs, sweat glands, blood vessels, and arrector pili muscles.

Targets of Sympathetic Pathways that Synapse in Collateral Ganglia

Organs below the diaphragm, including the digestive tract, kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs.