Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

A set of flashcards for key concepts related to the autonomic nervous system (ANS) including its structure, function, reflexes, disorders, and pharmacology.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for controlling visceral functions, including the regulation of glands, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle.

Sympathetic Division

The part of the ANS that prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations, often referred to as the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Division

The part of the ANS responsible for calming and conserving energy, often referred to as the 'rest and digest' response.

Autonomic Tone

The ongoing, background activity of both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems that maintains balance in body functions.

Visceral Reflex

Unconscious, automated responses to stimuli regulated by the ANS, involving receptors, afferent neurons, integration centers, efferent neurons, and effectors.

Baroreceptors

Receptors that detect stretch in vascular walls and are involved in regulating blood pressure through reflex arcs.

Dual Innervation

When an organ or tissue receives signals from both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS, allowing for antagonistic or cooperative effects.

Neurotransmitters used by the ANS

Chemical messengers utilized by ANS neurons, including acetylcholine (ACh) and norepinephrine (NE), which have different actions depending on the receptor type.

Dysautonomia

A disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system function, can result in either loss of function or excessive function.

Sympatholytics

Drugs that inhibit sympathetic nervous system activity; examples include beta blockers.

Parasympatholytics

Drugs that inhibit parasympathetic nervous system activity; examples include atropine.