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The autonomic nervous system - Coggle Diagram
The autonomic nervous system
The autonomic nervous system
Sympathetic nervous system
Works in opposition to the parasympathetic nervous system A state of physiological arousal (eg heart beats faster) to prepare for the fight or flight response.
Parasympathetic nervous system
Parasympathetic nervous system produces the opposite effect to sympathetic nervous system. This rest and digest response returns the body to normal resting state once the threat has gone.
The"automatic" system
We don't have to consciously direct the ANS. Breathing, our heart beating, etc, is vital to life so it needs to be involuntary
Homeostasis
Keeping the body in a constant and balanced internal state
For example:
Levels of carbon dioxide in the blood controlled through regular breathing
Body temperature maintained at 37 degrees centigrade by monitoring activity of the body's organs
The fight or flight response
Brain detects threat
The hypothalamus identifies a threatening event (a stressor). Triggers the sympathetic division of the ANS to act.The hypothalamus identifies a threatening event (a stressor). Triggers the sympathetic division of the ANS to act.
Release of adrenaline
The ANS changes from resting state (parasympathetic) to an aroused (sympathetic) state. The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal glands into the bloodstream.
Fight or Flight response
Immediate and automatic Adrenaline targets the cardiovascular system, increasing heart rate and breathing Also inhibits digestion and inhibits saliva production, Prepares the body to confront the threat (fight) or provide energy to run away (flight).
Once the threat has passed
Parasympathetic division returns body to normal 'rest and digest' state. Digestion and hunger stimulated