-Innervate smooth muscles, cardiac muscle, and glands.

-neurotransmitters release ACh OR norepinephrine

-can be cholergic or adrenergic neurons

Consist of sets of two motor (efferent) neurons in series (one following the other). (1)The first (preganglionic neuron) has its cell body in the CNS; its axon extends from the CNS to an autonomic ganglion.

(2)The second (postganglionic neuron) has its cell body in the Autonomic ganglion(which is outside the CNS); its axon extends directly from the ganglion to the effector (smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, or gland).

*Autonomic Motor Neurons release either Acetylcholine (ACh) or Norepinephrine (NE).

This division is sometimes called Thoracolumbar division because the cell bodies of sympathetic preganglionic neurons are in the lateral horns of the spinal cord gray matter between T1 and L2. Sympathetic chain ganglia – Because they are connected to one another and form a chain.

Paravertebral ganglia – Because they are located along both sides of the vertebral column.

White ramus communicans – The short connection between a spinal nerve and a sympathetic chain through which the pregangionic axons pass

      Parasympathetic preganglionic neurons are located both above and below the thoracic and lumber regions where sympathetic preganglionic neurons are found.

Parasympathetic preganglionic is sometimes called the Craniosacral Division because the cell bodies of parasympathetic preganglionic neurons are either within cranial nerve nuclei in the brainstem or within the lateral parts of the gray matter in the sacral region of the spinal cordfrom S2-S4.

Consists of nervous plexuses within the wall of the digestive tract.

Three Sources of Plexuses Contribution:

1. Sensory neurons that connect the digestive tract to the CNS.

2. ANS motor neurons that connect the CNS to the digestive tract.

3. Enteric neurons, which are confined to the enteric plexuses.

Several major Types of Enteric Neurons: 1. Enteric sensory neurons can detect changes in the chemical composition of the contents of the digestive tract or detect stretch of the digestive tract wall.. 2. Enteric motor neurons can stimulate or inhibit smooth muscle contraction and gland secretion. 3. Enteric interneurons connect enteric sensory and sensory and motor neurons to each other.

*Note: Although the enteric neurons are capable of controlling the activities of the digestive tract completely independently of the CNS, normally the two systems work together.

-activated by the neurotransmitter ACh

-All Preganglion neurons of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic divisions and all Postganglionic neurons of the Parasympathetic division are Cholinergic.

-A few Postganglionic neurons that innervate thermoregulatory sweat glands are Cholinergic.

-activated by neurotransmitter norepinephrine, and by the hormone epinephrine

-Almost all Postganglionic neurons of the Sympathetic division are Adrenergic

-has connections with the cerebrum and is an important part of the limbic system, which plays an important role in emotions. Hypothalamus integrates thoughts and emotions to produce ANS responses.

*Pleasant thoughts of a delicious banquet initiate increased secretion by salivary glands and by glands within the stomach and increased smooth muscle contraction within the digestive system

S – Salvation

L – Lacrimation (tear production)

U – Urination

D – Digestion

D – Defecation

-a technique in which an individual is provided with information regarding an autonomic response such as heart rate, blood pressure, or skin temperature

-By concentrating on positive thoughts, individuals learn to alter autonomic responses