Autonomic Nervous System

It is also called the visceral nervous system as it controls the functioning of the visceral (internal) organs.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) consists of two sets of motor neurons and a collection of ganglia. The two sets of neurons are Pre-ganglionic nerve fibres - They are neurons that emerge from the CNS and enter the ganglions. Their nerve cells are in the CNS. Post-ganglionic nerve fibres - They are the neurons that leave the ganglions and reach the smooth muscle/ gland. Their nerve cells are in the ganglions. The preganglionic nerve synapses with the dendrites of the post ganglionic nerve in the ganglions. Structurally, the ANS consists of two divisions - Sympathetic and Parasympathetic divisions. Sympathetic nervous system - It has the following featuresi) It is made up entirely of spinal nerves of the chest (thoracic) and waist (lumbar) region. Thus, they simultaneously affect many organs and tissues to produce widespread, coordinated effects. ii) It has ganglia close to the spinal cord. iii) The ganglia are linked to each other. iv) The pre-ganglionic nerve fibre is shorter than the post-ganglionic nerve fibre.

v) Each pre-ganglionic nerve fibre transmits impulses to many post-ganglionic nerve fibres. Thus, this system has widespread effects. vi) It generally has an accelerating effect which prepares the body for action in emergencies. vii) Its functions include a) dilation of pupils b) increase rate and force of heart beat c) increase in secretion of sweat d) decreases urine output e) releases adrenaline at the effector (gland or muscle) - thus, the postganglionic sympathetic fibres are called adrenergic. Except those that terminate on the sweat glands because they use acetyl choline. f) inhibition of peristalsis g) dilation of blood vessels to brain and skeletal muscle. h) These functions help the sympathetic nervous system to play an important role in emergencies.

Sub Topics

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Parasympathetic nervous system

Parasympathetic nervous system

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It has the following featuresi) It is made up of four pairs of cranial nerves and three pairs of sacral nerves. ii) The ganglia are far away from the spinal cord and close to or within the effectors. iii) The ganglia are not linked to each other. iv) The pre-ganglionic nerve fibre is longer than the post-ganglionic nerve fibre.

v) Each pre-ganglionic nerve fibre transmits impulses only to one post-ganglionic nerve fibre. Thus, this system has limited effect. vi) It generally has a slowing-down effect which balances the effect of the sympathetic system. vii) Its functions include a. constriction of pupils b. decrease rate and force of heart beat c. decrease in secretion of sweat d. increases urine output e. releases acetylcholine at the effector (gland or muscle) - thus, the postganglionic parasympathetic fibres are called the cholinergenic. f. stimulation of peristsalsisperistalsis g. constriction of blood vessels to brain and skeletal muscle. Together, the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems work to maintain a steady state.

Autonomic Nervous System