Autonomic Nervous System

The ANS performs its functions without us thinking about it, however, its activities can be consciously altered.

2 Divisions:

1. Sympathetic Nervous System: Responsible for "fight or flight" responses to stimuli.
2. Parasympathetic Nervous System: Responsible for "rest and digest" body functions.

Stimulus to the:

• Sympathetic division results in: increased heart rate, B/P, and adrenaline, and decreased blood flow to the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.
• Parasympathetic division results in: responses OPPOSITE of the sympathetic division.

Neurotransmitters:

• The sympathetic division utilizes Norepinephrine (NE).
• The parasympathetic division utilizes Acetycholine (ACh).