Chapter 15: The Autonomic Nervous System

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the autonomic nervous system, including its divisions, effects, and types of reflexes.

Autonomic Nervous System

The division of the nervous system that controls involuntary responses.

Sympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system associated with the fight or flight response.

Parasympathetic Division

Part of the autonomic nervous system associated with the rest and digest response.

Fight or Flight Response

A body's reaction to perceived threats, preparing to either confront or flee from danger.

Rest and Digest Response

The body's mechanism to relax and restore after stress, facilitating digestion.

Effects of Sympathetic Activation

Increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, dilation of pupils, decreased blood flow to digestive organs.

Preganglionic Fibers

The nerve fibers that run from the spinal cord to the ganglion in the autonomic nervous system.

Postganglionic Fibers

The nerve fibers that run from the ganglion to the target effector organs in the autonomic nervous system.

Autonomic Reflexes

Reflex actions mediated by the autonomic nervous system, affecting smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands.

Somatic Reflexes

Reflex actions involving the stimulation of skeletal muscles by the somatic nervous system.

Long Reflexes

Reflexes that involve the central nervous system; typically, the brain or spinal cord are engaged.

Short Reflexes

Reflexes that bypass the central nervous system, directly involving postganglionic fibers.

Enteric Nervous System (ENS)

A subdivision of the autonomic nervous system that governs the function of the gastrointestinal tract.

Examples of Long Reflexes

Reactions to food, emotions, or danger, such as internal digestion and chemical secretions.

Examples of Short Reflexes

Reflex actions in the digestive system in response to movement or chemical changes.