NURS1108:

Introduction to
Anatomy &
Physiology
Shikera Fearon, Msc (Hons.) Forensic Science, BSc
Anatomy
shikera.fearon02@uwimona.edu.jm
Nervous System
Automonic Nervous System
 Objectives

• Explain the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system

mechanisms;

• Distinguish between autonomic and somatic reflexes;

 Content
• The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
o Comparison of the somatic & autonomic nervous system
o Divisions of the ANS

• Anatomy of the ANS

o Parasympathetic (cranio-sacral) division
o Sympathetic (Thoraco-lumbar)division
o Visceral reflexes

• Physiology of the ANS

o Neurotransmitters & receptors
o The effects of drugs
o Interactions of the autonomic divisions
o Control of autonomic functioning
o Homeostatic imbalances of the ANS

• Developmental aspects of the ANS

Somatic Nervous System
Autonomic Nervous System
 An Introduction to the ANS
• Somatic Nervous System (SNS)
o Operates under conscious control
o Seldom affects long-term survival
o SNS controls skeletal muscles

• Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

o Operates without conscious instruction
o ANS controls visceral effectors
o Coordinates system functions: cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive,
urinary, reproductive
 Divisions of the ANS
• The autonomic nervous system
o Operates largely outside our awareness
o Has two divisions:
• Sympathetic division:
o increases alertness, metabolic rate, and muscular abilities

• Parasympathetic division:
o reduces metabolic rate and promotes digestion
o Also consist of the enteric system that is responsible for digestion.
 Divisions of the ANS
• Sympathetic Division
o “Kicks in” only during exertion, stress, or emergency
o “Fight or flight”

• Parasympathetic Division
o Controls during resting conditions
o “Rest and digest”
• The sympathetic nervous system preganglionic neurones are
found in the intermediate part (lateral horn) of the spinal cord
from the upper thoracic to mid-lumbar cord (T1–L3).

• The preganglionic parasympathetic neurones have their cell

bodies in the brainstem and sacrum.
• The postganglionic cell bodies are found in the vertebral and
prevertebral ganglia in the sympathetic nervous system but in the
parasympathetic system they are situated either adjacent to or in
the walls of the organ they supply.

• In addition to anatomical differences the sympathetic nervous

system uses noradrenaline (norepinephrine; NA) as its
postganglionic transmitter while the parasympathetic nervous
system uses acetylcholine (ACh). Both systems use ACh at the
level of the ganglia.
The Sympathetic Division

• Ganglionic Neurons
o Occur in three locations:

• Sympathetic chain ganglia – Along both sides vertebral

column: body wall, thoracic cavity, head and limbs
• Collateral ganglia – ant. To vertebral bodies: tissues and
organs in the abdomiopelvic cavity
• Suprarenal medullae – release neurotransmitters into
bloodstream: function as hormones
• Sympathetic Arise
from
Thoracolumbar
division of spinal
cord

16
The Sympathetic Division
The Sympathetic Division

Figure 8-34
The Sympathetic Division
The Sympathetic Division
 The Parasympathetic
Division
• Autonomic Nuclei - Craniosacral
o Are contained in the mesencephalon, pons, and medulla oblongata:

• Associated with cranial nerves III, VII, IX, X

o In lateral gray horns of spinal segments S2–S4

• Ganglionic Neurons in Peripheral Ganglia

o Near target organ

o Embedded in tissues of target organ

o Usually paired
23
The Parasympathetic Division

Figure 8-35
 The Parasympathetic Division

Figure 8-35
 The Parasympathetic
Division
• Parasympathetic Activation
o Centers on relaxation, food processing, and energy absorption
o Localized effects, last a few seconds at most
Visceral Reflex
ANS Receptors
Cholinergic Receptors
Adrenergic Receptors
Control of Autonomic
Functioning
Visceral Reflexes
Visceral Reflexes
 Aging and the Nervous
System
• Anatomical and physiological changes begin after maturity
(age 30)
• Accumulate over time

• 85% of people over age 65 have changes in mental

performance and CNS function
 Aging and the Nervous
System
• Reduction in Brain Size and Weight
• Reduction in Number of Neurons

• Decrease in Blood Flow to Brain

• Changes in Synaptic Organization of Brain
• Intracellular and Extracellular Changes in CNS Neurons
 Recommended Reading
• McConnell, T. H. & Hull, K. L. (2011). Human form and
function: Essentials of anatomy& physiology. Philadelphia:
Wolters Kluwer, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

• Shier, D., Lewis, R. & Butler, J. (2002). Hole’s human

anatomy & physiology. New York: McGraw Hill.

• Tortora, Gerard J. & Derrickson, Bryan H. (2011). Principles

of anatomy and physiology. Somerset, New Jersey: John
Wiley & Sons.