Textbook Question
Describe the anatomical relationship of the white and gray rami communicantes to the spinal nerve, and indicate the kind of fibers found in each ramus type.
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Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System
Elaine N. Marieb, Katja Hoehn7th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780805359091
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 The Human Body: An Orientation24
- Ch. 2 Chemistry Comes Alive25
- Ch. 3 Cells: The Living Units24
- Ch. 4 Tissue: The Living Fabric19
- Ch. 5 The Integumentary System10
- Ch. 6 Bones and Skeletal Tissues19
- Ch. 7 The Skeleton11
- Ch. 8 Joints7
- Ch. 9 Muscles and Muscle Tissue26
- Ch. 10 The Muscular System26
- Ch. 11 Fundamentals of the Nervous System and Nervous Tissue23
- Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System26
- Ch. 13 The Peripheral Nervous System and Reflex Activity28
- Ch. 14 The Autonomic Nervous System18
- Ch. 16 The Endocrine System26
- Ch. 17 Blood27
- Ch. 18 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart22
- Ch. 19 The Cardiovascular System: Blood Vessels27
- Ch. 20 The Lymphatic System and Lymphoid Organs and Tissues16
- Ch. 21 The Immune System: Innate and Adaptive Body Defenses29
- Ch. 22 The Respiratory System20
- Ch. 23 The Digestive System30
- Ch. 24 Nutrition, Metabolism, and Energy Balance26
- Ch. 25 The Urinary System25
- Ch. 26 Fluids & Electrolytes24
- Ch. 27 The Reproductive System23
Elaine N. Marieb, Katja Hoehn7th EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780805359091Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 14, Problem 11
Describe the meaning and importance of sympathetic tone and parasympathetic tone.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Define 'sympathetic tone' as the baseline level of activity in the sympathetic nervous system, which maintains a steady state of partial constriction in blood vessels and readiness of organs to respond to stress or changes in the environment.
Step 2: Explain 'parasympathetic tone' as the continuous, low-level activity of the parasympathetic nervous system that helps maintain homeostasis by promoting restful functions such as digestion, energy conservation, and slowing the heart rate.
Step 3: Discuss the importance of sympathetic tone in regulating blood pressure and blood flow by controlling the degree of vasoconstriction, which ensures tissues receive adequate oxygen and nutrients under varying conditions.
Step 4: Highlight the role of parasympathetic tone in maintaining normal organ function during restful states, such as promoting digestion and reducing heart rate, which conserves energy and supports recovery.
Step 5: Emphasize the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic tones as crucial for maintaining autonomic nervous system homeostasis, allowing the body to adapt efficiently to stress and relaxation demands.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Sympathetic Tone
Sympathetic tone refers to the baseline level of activity in the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body's 'fight or flight' responses. It maintains functions like blood vessel constriction and heart rate regulation, ensuring readiness for stress or physical activity.
Recommended video:
5:03
The Sympathetic Subway
Parasympathetic Tone
Parasympathetic tone is the ongoing activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for 'rest and digest' functions. It helps regulate processes such as slowing the heart rate, promoting digestion, and conserving energy during restful states.
Recommended video:
1:35Parasympathetic Nervous System Example 1
Importance of Autonomic Tone Balance
The balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic tones is crucial for maintaining homeostasis. Proper autonomic tone ensures that the body can respond appropriately to stress while also recovering and conserving energy, supporting overall health and physiological stability.
Recommended video:
1:50Somatic vs. Autonomic Nervous System
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Indicate the results of sympathetic activation of the following structures: sweat glands, eye pupils, adrenal medullae, heart, bronchioles of the lungs, liver, blood vessels of vigorously working skeletal muscles, blood vessels of digestive viscera, salivary glands.
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Textbook Question
Which of the effects listed in response to question 9 would be reversed by parasympathetic activity?
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Textbook Question
Describe the importance of the hypothalamus in controlling the autonomic nervous system.
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Textbook Question
Tiffany, a 21-year-old college student, is having trouble sleeping, cries frequently, and has recurrent thoughts of suicide. An antidepressant is prescribed. Like many such drugs, this antidepressant has anticholinergic side effects. What side effects might Tiffany experience in the first week of treatment?
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Textbook Question
As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifted by dozing Henry's nose, his mouth started to water and his stomach began to rumble. Explain his reactions in terms of ANS activity.
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