Term
| Somatic Nervous System (SNS) Function |
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Definition
| -Associated with the voluntary control of body movements through the action of skeletal muscles, and with reception of external stimuli, which helps keep the body in touch with its surroundings (e.g., touch, hearing, and sight). |
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Term
| Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Function |
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Definition
-affects heart rate, digestion, respiration rate, salivation, perspiration, diameter of the pupils, micturition (urination), and sexual arousal.
-Divided into Parasympathetic and Sympathetic nervous systems |
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Term
| Sympathetic Nervous System Function |
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Definition
-Perpares body for neronal and hormonal stress response. "fight or flight"
-Stimulates cardiac muscle- increasing heat rate
-dilation of bronchioles- increasing oxygen
causes dilation of blood vessels that supply the heart and skeletal muscles (increasing blood supply).
-The adrenal medulla is stimulated to release epinephrine (adrenalin) and norepinephrine (noradrenalin), which in turn increases the metabolic rate of cells and stimulate the liver to release glucose into the blood.
-Sweat glands are stimulated to produce sweat. In addition, the sympathetic nervous system reduces the activity of various “tranquil” body functions, such as digestion and kidney functioning. |
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Term
| Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) Function |
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Definition
-"Rest and Digest"
- Stimulates the production of digestive enzymes
-stimulates the processes of digestion, urination, and defecation.
- Reduces blood pressure and heart and respiratory rates and conserves energy through relaxation and rest. |
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