Chapter 1. The Autonomic Nervous System

Learning Objectives

adrenal gland
part of the endocrine system; located just above each kidney; releases stress hormones
respiration
breathing air to extract oxygen
autonomic nervous system
the part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates the internal organs
stress
the body’s response to a threat or challenge
emotion
a conscious mental state or feeling that arises spontaneously as a reaction to events
stress hormones
chemical messengers released into the bloodstream to arouse the body for action
parasympathetic division
the part of the autonomic nervous system that calms the body after a stressful event has passed
sympathetic division
the part of the autonomic nervous system that arouses the body for action
pupil
adjustable opening that allows light to enter the eye
The Autonomic Nervous System
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Learning Objectives:

Name the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system.

Understand the different roles of each division of the autonomic nervous system in helping the body react to stressful events.

Review

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1. Emotions such as fear or anger can produce physical arousal. You become aware of this arousal as your muscles tighten, your heart races, your mouth goes dry, and your stomach flutters. This is called the fight or flight response.

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2. When you perceive an external threat—such as a snake within striking distance—your autonomic nervous system prepares your body for a vigorous muscular response by activating one of its two divisions.

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3. The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system triggers the adrenal glands to release stress hormones that increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels—making you alert and ready for action, with lots of energy for muscular exertion.

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4. The sympathetic division also triggers dilated pupils that let more light into your eyes, increases respiration that supplies needed oxygen, and diverts blood to the large muscles to facilitate running away or fighting.

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5. When the stress passes, the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system becomes active and produces the opposite effect, calming you and conserving your energy.

Practice: The Autonomic Nervous System

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Practice: The Autonomic Nervous System

Roll over each structure on both sides of the figure to see a brief description of its role in the autonomic nervous system.

Effect of stimulation by this division:

dilates pupil

speeds heartbeat

inhibits digestion

increases glucose release

releases stress hormones; slows kidney function

relaxes bladder

stimulates orgasm

contracts pupil

slows heartbeat

stimulates digestion

increases bile release

contracts bladder

increases blood flow

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Quiz

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Quiz

For each row, select each physical response and drag it into the appropriate column. When all the physical responses have been placed, select the CHECK ANSWER button.

Sympathetic Division Parasympathetic Division
EYES
SALIVATION
SKIN
RESPIRATION
HEART
DIGESTION
ADRENAL GLAND
Select the NEXT button and move to the Conclusion.
Perhaps you should go back to review the physical responses controlled by each division of the autonomic nervous system.
pupils contract
decreases
perspires
decreases
slows
inhibits
decrease stress hormones
pupils dilate
increases
dries
increases
accelerates
activates
secrete stress hormones

Conclusion

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