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.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the 'fight or flight' response, which prepares the body for action.
2. Understand that sympathetic activation generally results in increased alertness, energy expenditure, and increased metabolic rate.
3. For each structure, determine how sympathetic activation would enhance the body's ability to respond to stress or danger.
4. Consider the physiological changes: for example, dilation of pupils (mydriasis) to improve vision, increased heart rate to supply more blood to muscles, and bronchodilation to improve airflow.
5. Apply these principles to each structure: sweat glands (increased sweating), eye pupils (dilation), adrenal medullae (release of adrenaline), heart (increased rate and force of contraction), bronchioles (dilation), liver (glycogenolysis), blood vessels of skeletal muscles (dilation), blood vessels of digestive viscera (constriction), salivary glands (reduced secretion).

Key Concepts

Sympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response. It prepares the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow to essential organs and muscles. Understanding its role is crucial for analyzing how various structures respond to sympathetic activation.

Physiological Responses

Physiological responses refer to the specific changes that occur in the body as a result of sympathetic activation. For example, sweat glands increase perspiration to cool the body, pupils dilate to enhance vision, and heart rate increases to supply more oxygen to muscles. Recognizing these responses helps in understanding the overall impact of sympathetic activation on different body systems.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes. The sympathetic nervous system plays a key role in this process by adjusting bodily functions during stress. For instance, while it increases blood flow to skeletal muscles, it reduces blood flow to digestive organs, illustrating how the body prioritizes resources to maintain balance during heightened activity.