The Autonomic Nervous System and Visceral Reflexes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the Autonomic Nervous System and its functions, reflexes, and divisions.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The part of the nervous system that controls glands, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle.

Visceral Reflexes

Unconscious, automatic, stereotyped responses to stimulation involving visceral receptors and effectors, controlled by the ANS.

Sympathetic Division

The division of the ANS that prepares the body for physical activity; known for the 'fight-or-flight' response.

Parasympathetic Division

The division of the ANS that calms many body functions and promotes energy conservation, often referred to as the 'rest-and-digest' state.

Autonomic Tone

The normal background rate of activity that represents the balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic systems according to body needs.

Dual Innervation

Most viscera receive nerve fibers from both parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions, leading to antagonistic or cooperative effects.

Neuropharmacology

The study of effects of drugs on the nervous system, including their effects on the autonomic nervous system.

Adrenal Medulla

The inner core of the adrenal glands that acts as a sympathetic ganglion and secretes catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Effectors

Structures that carry out the end responses in a reflex arc within the autonomic nervous system.

Efferent Neurons

Neurons that carry motor signals away from the central nervous system.