DRUGS ACTING ON

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

CHAPTER 2
Organization of
Nervous System
Nervous system is comprised of two
main divisions:
1. Central Nervous System (CNS)
2. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

 CNS is composed of the brain and

spinal cord
- PNS is located outside the brain and
spinal cord.

PNS is further subdivided into the

efferent (motor) and afferent (sensory)
divisions.
 The efferent neurons carry signals away
from the brain and spinal cord to the
peripheral tissues, and

 The afferent neurons bring information

from the periphery to the CNS - provide
sensory input

 The efferent portion of the peripheral

nervous system is further divided into
two major functional subdivisions:
 Somatic and the Autonomic nervous
system
 Autonomic nervous system

❑ Involuntary - person has little or no control

❑ acts on smooth muscles & glands:
❑ Controls & regulation of the heart,
❑ Respiratory system, GI tract, bladder, eyes & glands

 Somatic Nervous system

❑ voluntary - person has control

❑ Acts on skeletal muscle
 Division of Autonomic Nervous
System
 The ANS consists of two divisions:

❑ Sympathetic system: the "fight or flight" division

❑ Parasympathetic system: the "rest and digest"
division
 Functions of the Sympathetic
nervous system

The sympathetic nervous system is activated under conditions of

stress and produces a set of actions called the fight-or-flight
response.

Activation of this system makes the body ready for an immediate

response to a potential threat.

The heart rate and BP increase, and more blood is shunted to

skeletal muscles.

The liver immediately produces more glucose for energy.

The bronchi dilate to allow more air into the lungs, and the pupils
dilate for better vision.
 Maintaining the homeostasis within the body

activated under nonstressful conditions, produces

symptoms called rest-and-digest response.

Functions of
Parasympathetic Maintains essential bodily functions. Digestive processes
are promoted, and heart rate and BP decline.
system

Not as much air is needed, so the bronchi constrict.

Most of the actions of the parasympathetic division are

the opposite of those of the sympathetic division