Visceral Nervous System Notes

The Peripheral Nervous System includes the Visceral Nervous System, which is composed of all the nerves, ganglia, and plexuses that transmit information to and from the Central Nervous System and visceral organs.

Human Nervous System

The human nervous system is divided into two parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is composed of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes all the nerves from the body that connect to the CNS.

The peripheral nervous system is divided into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.

The Somatic Nervous System relays information from the Central Nervous System (CNS) to the skeletal muscles, and is involved in the voluntary control of body movements. This system involves both afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) pathways.

The Autonomic Nervous System relays information from the Central Nervous System (CNS) to involuntary organs and smooth muscles, controlling the involuntary functions of the body. It is responsible for regulating the actions of visceral organs such as cardiac muscles, smooth muscles, and glandular epithelium.

The autonomic nervous system is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

The Visceral Nervous System is a part of the autonomic nervous system that regulates the activity of the internal organs.

The visceral nervous system is a part of the peripheral nervous system. It consists of all the nerves that relay information between the CNS (Central Nervous System) and visceral organs.

The sensory signals from various internal organs reach the Central Nervous System (CNS) through afferent nerves, and responses are elicited via efferent autonomic nerves.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS), also known as the efferent (motor) visceral nervous system, is responsible for controlling the autonomic functions of the body, including heart rate, respiration, digestive secretions, sexual arousal, flight to fight responses, and reflex actions such as coughing, vomiting, and swallowing.

The autonomic nervous system has two main divisions:

  1. Sympathetic Division
  2. Parasympathetic Division

The Sympathetic Nervous System is associated with the “fight or flight” responses. It generally activates multiple organs simultaneously to elicit a rapid response. It increases heart rate, increases blood flow to the skeletal muscles and lungs, inhibits digestion and peristalsis, dilates the pupil, and allows more light to enter the lens.

The Parasympathetic Nervous System is associated with the body’s “rest and digest” responses. It helps to relax muscles back to their normal state, increases blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract, speeds up digestion and absorption of food, constricts the pupil, and contracts the ciliary muscle. Additionally, it can stimulate sexual arousal.

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems typically have contrasting effects, and a balance between the two is essential for homeostasis.

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