Which central nervous system nerves supply the divisions of the autonomic nervous system?
Introduction[edit | edit source] Show
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is one of the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), along with the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), These systems primarily work unconsciously in opposite ways to regulate many functions and parts of the body.
Actions[edit | edit source]The actions of the sympathetic nervous system occur in concert with other neural or hormonal responses to stress eg increases in corticotropin and cortisol secretion. Messages travel through the SNS in a bidirectional flow. Efferent messages can trigger changes in different parts of the body simultaneously. eg, the sympathetic nervous system can accelerate heart rate, widen bronchial passages, decrease motility (movement) of the large intestine, constrict blood vessels, cause pupil dilation, activate goose bumps, start sweating and raise blood pressure. The effects in which SNS acts in direct contrast to the PNS function include the following:
In humans, chronic stress results in long-term stimulation of the fight-or-flight response, which leads to constant production and secretion of catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine) and hormones such as cortisol. Long-term stress-induced secretion of these substances is associated with a variety of physiological consequences eg hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels), which can lead to type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension (high blood pressure), which can lead to cardiovascular disease[2]. Structure[edit | edit source]The sympathetic nerves run parallel to the spinal cord on both sides of the vertebral column as described below:
Overactive Sympathetic Nervous System[edit | edit source]Central sympathetic overactivity has been identified in a plethora of clinical conditions. Aside from a role in the development of hypertension, sympathetic overactivity has been implicated in the initiation and progression of numerous pathophysiological processes independent of increases in BP (e.g. vascular hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, glomerulosclerosis, and insulin resistance)[5]. In this condition, the actions of the stress hormones (eg cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine) are overly exerted on various organs. Long-term stress-induced secretion of these substances is associated with a variety of physiological consequences eg
It affects both physical and mental health and can trigger somatic symptoms like heart palpitations, diarrhea, sweating and insomnia as well as panic attacks and chronic stress. Some of the most common causes of this condition include:
Physiotherapy Implications[edit | edit source]Many people have an overactive sympathetic nervous system[7]. Assess your clients lifestyles and be aware of the health implications. Educate them when and if appropriate. Techniques to stimulate the reduce sympathetic nervous system activity and increase vagal tone include:
References[edit | edit source]
What nerves are in the autonomic nervous system?The autonomic nervous system is a component of the peripheral nervous system that regulates involuntary physiologic processes including heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, digestion, and sexual arousal. It contains three anatomically distinct divisions: sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric.
Which nerves give rise to the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system?The autonomic nervous system comprises two antagonistic sets of nerves, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system connects the internal organs to the brain by spinal nerves.
What division of the PNS is the autonomic nervous system?The visceral motor division, also known as the autonomic nervous system, carries signals to glands, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscle. It can be further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. The sympathetic division tends to arouse the body to action.
What are the subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system?The autonomic nervous system, also called the visceral efferent nervous system, supplies motor impulses to cardiac muscle, to smooth muscle, and to glandular epithelium. It is further subdivided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
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