AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

I. Introduction

II. Overview of the autonomic nervous system

A. Somatic vs autonomic nervous system

1. Effectors

2. Efferent pathways and ganglia

a. Preganglionic neuron

b. Ganglion

c. Postganglionic neuron

3. Neurotransmitter effects

4. Overlap of somatic and autonomic functions

B. Divisions of autonomic nervous system

1. Role of the parasympathetic (craniosacral) division

2. Role of the sympathetic (thoracolumbar) division

a. Pathways with synapses in the adrenal medulla

III. Physiology of the autonomic nervous system

A. Neurotransmitters and receptors

1. Cholinergic receptors

a. Nicotinic receptors

b. Muscarinic receptors

2. Adrenergic receptors

a. Alpha receptors

b. Beta receptors

B. The effects of drugs

C. Interactions of the autonomic nervous system

1. Basic features

2. Antagonistic interactions

3. Sympathetic and parasympathetic tone

4. Cooperative effects

5. Unique roles of the sympathetic division

a. Thermoregulatory responses to heat

b. Release of renin from the kidneys

c. Metabolic effects-I MR, IBS, I RAS of brain stem

d. Adrenal medulla

e. Arrector pili muscle

f. Most blood vessel

6. Localized vs diffuse effects

a. Parasym- one preganglionic to one postgang.

b. Parasym- Ach hydrolysis by Achesterase

c. Parasyms- short-lived

d. Sym- preganglionic axons branch profusely

e. Sym- synapse with many postganglionic neurons at

several levels

f. Sym- responses in a diffuse and interconnected way

g. Sym- NE inactivated very slowly

D. Control of autonomic functions

1. Brain stem and spinal cord controls

2. Hypothalamic controls

3. Corticle controls

a. Influence of biofeedback on autonomic system

VI. Homeostatic imbalances of the autonomic nervous system

A. Hypertension

B. Raynaud’s disease

C. Mass reflex reaction