Autonomic and Somatic Nervous System Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the autonomic and somatic nervous systems as discussed in the lecture notes.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Innervates cardiac and smooth muscle, most exocrine glands, and some endocrine glands.

Preganglionic fibers

Fibers that extend from the CNS to an autonomic ganglion.

Postganglionic fibers

Fibers that extend from the autonomic ganglion to the effector.

Sympathetic nervous system

Part of the ANS that dominates during fight-or-flight responses.

Parasympathetic nervous system

Part of the ANS that dominates during relaxation, promoting rest and digestion.

Cholinergic fibers

Fibers that release acetylcholine (ACh), found in parasympathetic postganglionic pathways.

Adrenergic fibers

Fibers that release norepinephrine, found in sympathetic postganglionic pathways.

Dual innervation

Visceral organs being innervated by both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers.

Agonists

Drugs that enhance or mimic autonomic responses.

Antagonists

Drugs that block autonomic responses.

Neuromuscular junction

The site where a motor neuron communicates with a skeletal muscle fiber.

Acetylcholinesterase

An enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.

Action potential propagation

The process by which an electrical signal travels along a neuron and muscle fiber.