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ANS regulates organs/processes not under conscious control including:
circulation
digestion
respiration
temperature
sweating
metabolism
some endocrine gland secretions
Sympathetic system is most active when the body needs to react to changes in the internal or external environment: The requirement for sympathetic activity is most critical for:
temperature regulation
regulation of glucose levels
rapid vascular response to hemorrhage
reacting to oxygen deficiency
During rage or fright the sympathetic system can discharge as a unit--affecting multiorgan systems.
Sympathetic fibers show greater ramification.
Sympathetic preganglionic fibers may traverse through many ganglia before terminiating at its post-ganglionic cell. Synaptic terminal arborization results in a single preganglionic fiber terminating on many post-ganglionic cells.
This anatomical characteristic is the basis for the diffuse nature of sympathic response in the human and other species.
Sympathetic Responses
Increases heart rate & blood pressure
Blood flow to skeletal muscles is increased
Increases blood glucose
Dilates bronchioles & pupils
Parasympathetic responses
Slows heart rate
Constricts the pupil
Lowers blood pressure
Increases gastrointestinal motility
Helps in empting bowel and bladder
Category: Pharmacology Notes
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