The Autonomic Nervous System and Higher-Order Functions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the autonomic nervous system and higher-order brain functions based on the provided lecture notes.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The part of the nervous system that operates without conscious instruction and controls visceral effectors.

Sympathetic Division

The division of the ANS responsible for 'fight or flight' responses, increasing alertness and metabolic rate.

Parasympathetic Division

The division of the ANS responsible for 'rest and digest' functions, conserving energy and maintaining homeostasis.

Visceral Effectors

The smooth muscle, glands, and cardiac muscle controlled by the autonomic nervous system.

Preganglionic Neurons

Cells in the CNS that send axons to ganglia, where they synapse with postganglionic neurons.

Postganglionic Neurons

Nerve cells that receive signals from preganglionic neurons and innervate target organs.

Epinephrine

A hormone released by the adrenal medulla that increases heart rate and prepares the body for emergencies.

Acetylcholine (ACh)

A neurotransmitter used by both divisions of the autonomic nervous system that can be excitatory or inhibitory.

SLUDD

A mnemonic for the effects of parasympathetic stimulation: Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Digestion, Defecation.

Dual Innervation

The phenomenon where most vital organs receive input from both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS.

Memory Consolidation

The process of converting short-term memories to long-term memories.

Visceral Reflexes

Polysynaptic reflexes initiated in the viscera that provide automatic responses and can be influenced by higher brain centers.

Higher-Order Functions

Cognitive functions such as consciousness, learning, and intelligence that involve complex processing in the brain.

Enteric Nervous System

A division of the ANS that controls the gastrointestinal system independently of the CNS.

Neurotransmitters

Chemical messengers that transmit signals across the synapse from one neuron to another.

Cholinergic Neurons

Neurons that release acetylcholine as their neurotransmitter.

Adrenergic Neurons

Neurons that release norepinephrine as their neurotransmitter.

Nicotinic Receptors

Cholinergic receptors found on ganglion cells of the autonomic nervous system and at neuromuscular junctions.

Muscarinic Receptors

Cholinergic receptors at neuromuscular junctions in the parasympathetic division, which can produce excitatory or inhibitory effects.

Reticular Activating System (RAS)

A collection of neurons in the brainstem that regulates wakefulness and sleep-wake transitions.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the brain responsible for conscious thought, memory storage, and sensory processing.

Long-term Memory

A type of memory that can last from days to years and includes secondary (fading) and tertiary (permanent) memories.

Alpha Receptors

Adrenergic receptors primarily involved in the constriction of blood vessels and excitatory effects on smooth muscles.

Beta Receptors

Receptors that respond to norepinephrine and epinephrine, influencing heart rate and airway relaxation.

Neurofibrillary Tangles

Abnormal accumulations of protein within neurons, associated with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.