THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM ( ANS )

• The functional devision of the PNS
• Innervates smooth and cardiac muscle & the glands of the body
• Involuntary
• Function

Regulates “ the vital functions “ that maintain the internal environtment ( homeostasis )

The vital function :

Respiration, circulation, metabolism, body temperature, water metabolism, digestion, secretion

Hypothalamus

Controlling or steering the ANS

Rostral portion ® parasympathetic

Caudal ® sympathetic

Connect with the descending reticular system ( mid brain )

Cholinergic axons

• Preganglionic axons of the parasympathetic and sympathetic NS
• Post ganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic NS
• Post ganglionic axons of the sympathetic NS to the sweat glands & piloerector muscles

Adrenergic axons

• Postganglionic sympathetic axons
• Adrenal gland