This chapter focuses on the nervous system. This includes motor control and the basis of sensation. It outlines the organization of the nervous system and the nature of its constituent cells. The nervous system may be divided into five main parts: the brain, the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, the autonomic nervous system, and the enteric nervous system. The chapter discusses how the brain and spinal cord constitute the central nervous system (CNS), while the peripheral nerves, autonomic nervous system, and enteric nervous system make up the peripheral nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that is concerned with the innervation of blood vessels and the internal organs, which includes the autonomic ganglia that run parallel to the spinal column and their associated nerves.
Chapter
Introduction to the nervous system
Chapter
The autonomic nervous system
This chapter deals with the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This regulates the operation of the internal organs and supports the activity of the body as a whole. The autonomic nervous system is not a separate nervous system but is the efferent pathway that links those areas within the brain concerned with the regulation of the internal environment to specific effectors such as blood vessels, the heart, and the gut. The chapter points out that the ANS does not pass directly to the effector organs, but rather they synapse in autonomic ganglia, which are located outside the CNS. The chapter looks at fibres. These project from the CNS to the autonomic ganglia. The latter are called preganglionic fibres, and those that connect the ganglia to their target organs are called postganglionic fibres. The sensory nerves of the internal organs are known as visceral afferents.
Chapter
Communication and Control 3
Controlling Organ Systems
This chapter discusses communication and control within organ systems. Organs and tissues work together as groups to facilitate varying physiological processes necessary for life. The organ systems work together in concert to achieve specific goals and maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis occurs in many forms, such as the regulation of body temperature, blood pressure, blood volume, acid-base balance, and glucose concentration. The chapter then details how the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system control the activity of different organ systems. It cites the hypothalamus as the major control and integration centre for both systems and provides a functional link between the two.
Chapter
Communication and Control 3
Controlling Organ Systems
This chapter discusses communication and control within organ systems. Organs and tissues work together as groups to facilitate varying physiological processes necessary for life. The organ systems work together in concert to achieve specific goals and maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis occurs in many forms, such as the regulation of body temperature, blood pressure, blood volume, acid-base balance, and glucose concentration. The chapter then details how the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system control the activity of different organ systems. It cites the hypothalamus as the major control and integration centre for both systems and provides a functional link between the two.
Chapter
The autonomic nervous system
Emma Lane and William Ford
This chapter explores the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It looks into the basic physiology of the ANS in addition to the functions it provides to different organs and neurochemical transmission. Essentially, specific brain regions supervise and influence the functions of the ANS. The chapter then provides an overview of how therapeutic molecules may interfere with synaptic transmission. It also discusses non-adrenergic non-cholinergic control (NANC). It looks at the effect of the ANS on several body systems, such as the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, oculomotor system, and digestive system, by considering the context of physiology, pharmacology, and therapeutics.
