On the Module 6 exam there may be synoptic questions that relate to work you have done in other modules. The control of heart rate by the autonomic nervous system is an example, so it may be a good idea to have a look back at the work on the heart.

Autonomic nervous system

FUNCTIONS OF AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

Organ responding

Effect of stimulation by sympathetic nervous system.

Effect of stimulation by parasympathetic nervous system.

Heart

accelerates

decelerates

Blood vessels of skin and gut

constricted

dilated

Coronary and skeletal arteries

dilated

constricted

Bronchioles

relax muscles (bronchioles dilate)

restricts muscles

Iris

pupil dilate

pupil smaller

Tear glands and

saliva

activates

 

 

Peristalsis

slow down

speeds up

Hair muscle

raised

 

Sweat glands

increases

 

Bladder sphincter

contracts

releases

Bladder muscles

opposite

opposite

 

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action, heart rate increases, blood diverted from skin and gut, hair muscles make body (cats) look bigger, sweat to cool down etc.

There is also release of adrenaline (hormone), this has various effects on various parts of the body, conduction of the heart, also increases ability of heart to break down glucose in respiration. More breakdown of glycogen to glucose in liver spleen gives supply of components for red blood cells.

Sympathetic nervous system. has many connections between the neurones of the sympathetic nervous system. The adrenaline that is released remains in the blood stream quite a long time.

Parasympathetic nervous system has homeostatic control. As acetylcholine is the main transmitter substance, it is rapidly broken down by cholinesterase.