Autonomic Nervous System Resources

By the End of the Module You Will be Able to:

• Compare the organizationThe structured arrangement of biological systems. of the autonomic nervous systemThe part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, di with that of the somatic nervous systemThe organ system that controls body functions using electrical and chemical signals..
• Describe the structures and functions of the sympathetic divisionPart of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for stress and activity. of the autonomic nervous system.
• Describe the mechanisms of sympathetic neurotransmitterChemicals that transmit signals across synapses. release and their effects on target organsOrgans affected by specific hormones. and tissues.
• Describe the structures and functions of the parasympathetic divisionPart of the autonomic nervous system that conserves energy and promotes rest-and-digest functions. of the autonomic nervous system.
• Describe the mechanisms of parasympathetic neurotransmitter release and their effects on target organs and tissues.
• Discuss the functional significance of dual innervationA situation in which most target organs receive input from both the sympathetic and parasympathetic and autonomic toneThe baseline level of activity of the autonomic nervous system, maintained by continuous signaling,.
• Describe the hierarchy of interacting levels of control in the autonomic nervous system, including the significance of visceral reflexesReflexes that control involuntary functions of visceral organs (e.g., blood pressure, digestion) thr.