The Autonomic Nervous System and Visceral Reflexes

Front

What is the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?

Back

The ANS is a part of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

Front

What are the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

Back

The two main divisions are the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

Front

What is sympathetic tone?

Back

Sympathetic tone refers to the baseline level of activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Front

What is parasympathetic tone?

Back

Parasympathetic tone refers to the baseline level of activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes 'rest and digest' functions.

Front

What is a visceral reflex arc?

Back

A visceral reflex arc is a neural pathway that controls involuntary actions, consisting of receptors, afferent neurons, an integrating center, efferent neurons, and effectors.

Front

What role do receptors play in a visceral reflex arc?

Back

Receptors detect internal stimuli such as stretch, tissue damage, and chemical changes, initiating the reflex response.

Front

What is the function of afferent neurons in a visceral reflex?

Back

Afferent neurons carry sensory information from receptors to the central nervous system (CNS) for processing.

Front

What is the integrating center in a visceral reflex arc?

Back

The integrating center is typically located in the CNS and processes the sensory information, often involving interneurons.

Front

What are efferent neurons responsible for in a visceral reflex?

Back

Efferent neurons carry motor signals away from the CNS to effectors, triggering a response.

Front

What is an effector in the context of a visceral reflex?

Back

An effector is a muscle or gland that carries out the response to a stimulus in a visceral reflex.