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
Chapter 13, Problem 11
Describe the meaning and importance of sympathetic tone and parasympathetic tone.
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Understand that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is divided into two main branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
Recognize that 'tone' refers to the baseline level of activity in these systems, which allows them to maintain homeostasis in the body.
Sympathetic tone is the constant, low-level activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores.
Parasympathetic tone is the baseline activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes 'rest and digest' functions by slowing the heart rate, enhancing digestion, and conserving energy.
Appreciate the importance of the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic tones, as it ensures the body can appropriately respond to stressors while maintaining normal physiological functions during rest.
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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 level of activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response. This tone increases heart rate, dilates airways, and mobilizes energy reserves, preparing the body for action in stressful situations. Understanding sympathetic tone is crucial for recognizing how the body reacts to stress and how it can impact overall health.
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The Sympathetic Subway
Parasympathetic Tone
Parasympathetic tone is associated with the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes the 'rest and digest' state. It helps to lower heart rate, enhance digestion, and conserve energy, facilitating recovery and relaxation. A balanced parasympathetic tone is essential for maintaining homeostasis and counteracting the effects of stress induced by sympathetic activation.
Recommended video:
1:35Parasympathetic Nervous System Example 1
Balance Between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Tone
The balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic tone is vital for optimal physiological function. An appropriate balance allows the body to respond effectively to stress while also recovering and maintaining health. Disruptions in this balance can lead to various health issues, including anxiety, cardiovascular problems, and digestive disorders, highlighting the importance of both tones in overall well-being.
Recommended video:
4:39Review of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Divisions
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
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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Textbook Question
Mr. Johnson suffers from urinary retention and a hypoactive urinary bladder. Bethanechol, a drug that mimics acetylcholine's autonomic effects, is prescribed to manage his problem. First explain the rationale for prescribing bethanechol, and then predict which of the following adverse effects Mr. Johnson might experience while taking this drug (select all that apply): dizziness, low blood pressure, deficient tear formation, wheezing, increased mucus production in bronchi, deficient salivation, diarrhea, cramping, excessive sweating, undesirable erection of penis.
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