1. The Autonomic Nervous System

2. The Autonomic Nervous System
Controls involuntary functions through smooth muscle and cardiac striated muscle
Two systems – Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
Two neurones involved in response
These interact in Ganglia lying close to the spine (sympathetic) or in effector organs (parasympathetic)
The post-ganglionic neurone is non-myelinated and releases a specific neurotransmitter

3. The Sympathetic Nervous System
Induces a stress or ‘fight’ reaction
Nerves are stimulated in the spinal cord by incoming signals from sensory neurons
A neuron runs to the spinal trunk ganglion
Here it connects with an effector neuron that runs to an effector organ
Interaction with the effector tissue is via a synapse using nor-adrenalin as a neurotransmitter

4. The Sympathetic Trunk

5. The Sympathetic Compared to Somatic Motor Neural Pathways

6. The Sympathetic Nervous System

7. The Parasympathetic Nervous System
Primarily driven through cranial nerves especially X (ten) the vagus nerve
Ganglia are present either in a target organ or adjacent to it
The post-ganglionic synapse uses acetylcholine as the major neurotransmitter

8. The Parasympathetic Nervous System

9. The Autonomic Nervous System - Comparisons
Parasympathetic
Cranial Nerves III,VII,IX and X (vagus)
Reduces Stress
Acetylcholine is the principle neurotransmitter
Sympathetic
Series of interconnecting ganglia running down the spinal column
Heightens stress - ‘Fight and Flight’

10. Neurotransmitters in the ANS

11. Outline Comparison of the Actions of the Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous Systems

13. Summary
The autonomic or visceral nervous system controls involuntary automated processes
It comprises pre-ganglionic and post-ganglionic neurons and is stimulated by sensory pathways
The effector systems are located at the organ level and regulate automated responses
There are two sub-systems, the sympathetic and parasympathetic