Week 15: Autonomic, Enteric & Emotional Systems

what are some functions of the autonomic nervous system?

• regulate critical life functions without cortical input

• innervate internal organs, blood vessels, glands

• secretion from glands

• influenced by emotions and cognition

• regulates vegetative functions

function of the sympathetic nervous system

activate fight or flight

what happens when the sympathetic nervous system is activated?

• HR increases

• BP increases

• blood flow shifts to muscles and brain

• increase blood sugar

• dilation of bronchioles and pupils

• constriction of stomach

parasympathetic nervous system function

energy conservation, storage and replenishment, maintain HR, respiration, metabolism and digestion

what are the peripheral components of the autonomic nervous system?

• preganglionic fibers

  • brainstem, cranial nerves, spinal cord

• postganglionic fibers

  • located in periphery in autonomic ganglia

• thoracolumbar division

• craniosacral division

thoracolumbar division

preganglionic neurons located in spinal cord segments T1 to L2 in lateral gray horns

craniosacral division

preganglionic neurons located in brainstem and in spinal cord segments S2-S4

the preganglionic neurons of the brainstem are associated with which cranial nerves?

3, 7, 9, 10

reticular formation neurons location

diffusely located throughout midbrain, pons and medulla

reticular formation function

sends and receives projections to and from diencephalon, cortex and spinal cord

reticular activating system

responsible for arousal, alertness and wakefulness

reticular inhibiting system

involved in producing calming states and sleep

hypothalamus is responsible for what four H’s?

1. hot

2. hungry

3. happy

4. horny

this is a major control center of the ANS and is responsible for regulating temperature, thirst, feeding behaviors and endocrine functions

hypothalamus

anterior hypothalamus projects pathways to the ___

PNS

posterior hypothalamus projects pathways to the ____

SNS

the ____ ____ is responsible for emotions and the ANS

limbic system

the ___ ___ contains important ANS reflexes that are modulated by higher CNS centers

spinal cord

what activates the sympathetic nervous system?

stress

activation of the SNS leads to an increase in what?

increased release of stress hormones

chronic activation of the SNS can lead to what?

blood vessel constriction, HTN, high cholesterol, depression, pain, sleep disturbances

Polyvagal theory

emphasizes role of ANS in health and behavior, especially highlighting CN X

CN X (vagus nerve)

carrying information between brain and internal organs and controlling body’s response during times of rest and relaxation

neuroception

scans others and the environment around us, working directly with ANS to interpret threats

co-regulation

social engagement status that looks at body language, tone of voice, facial expressions

what are the three phases in the Polyvagal Theory?

1. social engagement = safety = ventral vagal

2. fight / flight = danger = sympathetic

3. freeze = life threat = dorsal vagal

what are some ways you can stimulate your vagus nerve in daily life?

• deep breathing

• vibration/humming

• deep pressure

• cold water

• exercise

• massage

with what populations has the Polyvagal theory been researched with?

• ASD

• mental health care

• pregnancy and postpartum care

• neurodegenerative diseases

what is the function of the enteric nervous system?

regulate GI system function including motility, fluid exchange, blood flow and secretions

where is the enteric nervous system located?

sheathes of tissue lining the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon

what are the different neurotransmitters found in the intestines?

serotonin, dopamine, glutamate

what are some disorders related to the enteric nervous system?

Crohn’s disease, colitis, IBS

in what regions of the brain does emotion primarily preside?

prefrontal cortex and limbic system

what are the secondary regions of the brain that are associated with emotion?

thalamus, temporal lobe and septum pellucidum

how does stress change the prefrontal cortex?

difficulty regulating thoughts, emotions and behavior

what is the stress hormone?

cortisol

how does stress change the amygdala?

altered connections and volume, hyperactive stress response

how does stress change the hippocampus?

fewer connections and new neurons, smaller volume, difficulty with memory

how does the left hemisphere regulate emotion?

may regulate emotional responses, associated with positive emotions and a general sense of wellbeing

how does the right hemisphere regulate emotions?

agitation, nervousness, distress, anxiety, sadness and depression heightened

Sophia has left prefrontal lobe damage. How does this impact her emotions?

a. she is laid back and has an overall positive attitude

b. she has a sudden predisposition towards anxiety and depression

c. the left hemisphere assumes control of emotional regulation

d. there is no change to her emotional state

b. she has a sudden predisposition towards anxiety and depression

Darcy has damage to her right prefrontal lobe. how does this impact her emotional regulation?

a. her right hemisphere assumes control over emotional regulation

b. there is no change to her emotional state

c. Darcy denies any impairment and seems indifferent to any changes in her condition

d. Darcy is very agitated and anxious

c. Darcy denies any impairment and seems indifferent to any changes in her condition

Lindsey has sustained damage to her orbitofrontal lobe. how may this impact her emotions?

a. she may exhibit symptoms of impulsiveness, poor judgement, irritation, aggression and anger

b. she may be happier than usual and/or manic

c. there would be no changes in behavior or emotions

d. she would be catatonic

a. she may exhibit symptoms of impulsiveness, poor judgement, irritation, aggression and anger

Traci has dorsofrontal lobe damage. what behavior would we expect to see from her?

1. there would be no behavioral changes

2. she may exhibit lethargy, flat affect, no emotion, decreased motivation

3. mania and impulsivity

4. increased anger and aggression

2. she may exhibit lethargy, flat affect, no emotion, decreased motivation

bilateral lesion to the amygdala would lead to the inability to recognize what?

fear

anhedonia

do not experience pleasure from people and activities that once provided them a sense of happiness

which nervous system may become dependent on chemical substances that impact neurotransmitters?

enteric nervous system

how does social neglect impact the brain?

(ie with babies / during development)

may negatively impact emotional regulation, the ability to self regulate properly