Study Notes for Autonomic Nervous System and Sacral Plexus

Recitation Information

• Last recitation: Next Tuesday
• Purpose: This recitation will serve as the quiz.
• Quiz structure:
• 20 points available.
• Students have one week to memorize 16 specific words.
• Only 10 of the 16 words will be selected for the quiz.

Sacral Plexus

• Important for its connection to the lower part of the body.
• Three key levels discussed: S2, S3, S4, which can be remembered with the phrase "keeps the feces off the floor". This indicates the sacral plexus's role in controlling bowel functions and related muscles.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

• Definition: Section of the motor subdivision that controls involuntary movements.
• Regulates functions of cardiac and smooth muscles, as well as glands.
• Two Main Divisions of the ANS:
• Sympathetic
  • Function often summarized by the phrase "fight or flight".
  • Activates response in stressful situations (e.g., sudden noise or threat).
• Parasympathetic
  • Responsible for rest and digestion.
• Cranial Nerves that are Parasympathetic:
• CN III (Oculomotor), CN VII (Facial), CN IX (Glossopharyngeal), CN X (Vagus).
• Important numbers to memorize: 3, 7, 9, 10.

Physiological Responses

• Physiological changes during a sympathetic response include increases in:
• Heart rate (can jump over 200), blood pressure, and alertness.
• Emergency Situations:
• Example of an EpiPen usage: Serious allergic reactions require immediate medical attention, including calling 911 if someone is affected.
• Response includes increased heart rate and potentially dangerous physiological consequences.