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ANS
Autonomic nerve pathway
Extends from CNS to an innervated organ
Two-neuron chain
Preganglionic fiber (synapses with cell body of second
neuron)
Postganglionic fiber (innervates effector organ)
ANS
Two subdivisions
Sympathetic nervous
system
Parasympathetic
nervous system
Sympathetic
Nervous
System
Parasympathetic
Nervous System
Fibers originate in
Fibers originate from
thoracic and lumbar
cranial and sacral areas
regions of spinal cord of CNS
Most preganglionic
fibers are short
Long postganglionic
fibers
Very short
postganglionic fibers
Preganglionic fibers
release acetylcholine
(Ach)
Preganglionic fibers
release acetylcholine
(Ach)
Most postganglionic
fibers release
noradrenaline
(norepinephrine)
Postganglionic fibers
release acetylcholine
Structures
Innervated by
Sympathetic and
Parasympathetic
Nervous Systems
ANS
Most visceral organs innervated by both sympathetic
and parasympathetic fibers
In general produce opposite effects in a particular
organ
Dual innervation of organs by both branches of ANS
allows precise control over organs activity
ANS
Sympathetic system dominates in emergency or
stressful (fight-or-flight) situations
Promotes responses that prepare body for
strenuous physical activity
Parasympathetic system dominates in quiet, relaxed
(rest-and-digest) situations
Promotes body-maintenance activities such as
digestion
ANS
Exceptions to general rule of dual reciprocal
innervation by the two branches of autonomic
nervous system
Most arterioles and veins receive only
sympathetic nerve fibers (arteries and capillaries
are not innervated)
Most sweat glands are innervated only by
sympathetic nerves
Salivary glands are innervated by both ANS
divisions but activity is not antagonistic both
stimulate salivary secretion
ANS
Adrenal medulla is a modified part of sympathetic
nervous system
Modified sympathetic ganglion that does not give
rise to postganglionic fibers
Stimulation of preganglionic fiber prompts
secretion of hormones into blood
About 20% of hormone release is norepinephrine
About 80% of hormone released is epinephrine
(adrenaline)
Neuromuscular Junction
Axon terminal of motor neuron forms neuromuscular junction
with a single muscle cell
Signals are passed between nerve terminal and muscle fiber
by means of neurotransmitter ACh
Released ACh binds to receptor sites on motor end plate of
muscle cell membrane
Binding triggers opening of specific channels in motor end
plate
Ion movements depolarize motor end plate, producing endplate potential
Local current flow between depolarized end plate and
adjacent muscle cell membrane brings adjacent areas to
threshold
Action potential is initiated and propagated throughout muscle
fiber
Chapter 7 The Peripheral Nervous System: Efferent Division
Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood 2007 Brooks/Cole-Thomson Learning
Neuromuscular Junction
Acetylcholinesterase
Inactivates ACh
Ends end-plate potential and the action potential
and resultant contraction
Neuromuscular junction is vulnerable to chemical
agents and diseases
Black widow spider venom causes explosive
release of ACh
Botulism toxin blocks release of ACh
Curare blocks action of ACh at receptor sites
Organophosphates prevent inactivation of ACh
Myasthenia gravis inactivates ACh receptor sites
Chapter 7 The Peripheral Nervous System: Efferent Division
Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood 2007 Brooks/Cole-Thomson Learning