Sympathetic vs Parasympathetic Nervous System (Ch15 Part 1)

Welcome to Chapter 15! In this lecture, we explore the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the division of the nervous system responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, breathing, and gland secretion. Topics Covered Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System Somatic vs autonomic motor systems Voluntary vs involuntary control Homeostasis and autonomic regulation Organization of the Nervous System Central nervous system (CNS) Peripheral nervous system (PNS) Sensory (afferent) division Motor (efferent) division Somatic nervous system Autonomic nervous system Somatic vs Autonomic Pathways Single-neuron pathways Two-neuron chains Preganglionic neurons Postganglionic neurons Ganglia Myelination differences Neurotransmitters and Receptors Acetylcholine (ACh) Norepinephrine (NE) Cholinergic receptors Adrenergic receptors Nicotinic receptors Muscarinic receptors Alpha and beta receptors Sympathetic Nervous System Fight-or-flight responses Thoracolumbar outflow Chain ganglia Emergency responses Stress physiology Parasympathetic Nervous System Rest-and-digest responses Craniosacral outflow Terminal ganglia Recovery and maintenance functions Effects on Major Organ Systems Cardiovascular System Heart rate Blood vessel diameter Blood pressure regulation Respiratory System Respiratory rate Bronchodilation Bronchoconstriction Digestive System Gastric secretions Digestive motility Energy conservation Other Autonomic Effects Sweat gland activity Tear production Salivary secretion Pupil dilation and constriction Clinical Applications Stress responses Anxiety and autonomic activation Blood pressure regulation Digestive disorders Autonomic dysfunction By the end of this lecture, you'll be able to compare the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, identify their anatomical differences, and predict how autonomic stimulation affects major organs throughout the body.