Anaesthesia Fundamentals | Physiology | Autonomic Nervous System

Autonomic Nervous System
Session overview
Description
This session summarises the structure and function of the autonomic nervous system.

Learning objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the structure and function of the autonomic nervous system
• Explain how the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems work in synergy
• Describe the effects the two systems have on key organs in the body

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should:

• Have an understanding of conduction in neuronal tissue and the concept of synapse and chemical transmitters

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) has evolved to keep our body functioning without us consciously thinking about it. It allows us to respond to stress. For example, when our ancestors were chased by a sabre-tooth tiger their sympathetic nervous system helped them get away; and when they did their cave paintings, the parasympathetic nervous system allowed them to use their brain without having to think about their insides.

In this session you will revise your knowledge of the structure and function of the ANS. We will then consider how the system maintains function, and the concept of tone in the system. Finally, you will be able to predict how, in key organs, you can manipulate either system to produce a given effect.