The ANS is the part of the nervous system that supplies the internal organs and structures, including the blood vessels, stomach, intestine, liver, kidneys, bladder, genitals, lungs, pupils, heart, and sweat, salivary, and digestive glands. Two divisions of ANS (the sympathetic and parasympathetic) have opposite functions. As we learned, the sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for intense physical activity and is often referred to as the fight-or-flight response. The parasympathetic nervous system has almost the exact opposite effect, relaxes the body, and is often referred to as the rest-and-digest response.
For this post, you have to write at least 400 words addressing the following 5 points. Please identify each point in your answer.
Choose an organ in the body that has autonomic innervation. (LUNGS)
Next, describe how the organ you have chosen is affected by one of the two divisions of the ANS. Is it stimulated? Inhibited? Which part of the organ is affected? Do not do both divisions of the ANS.
Identify the location and neurotransmitters of the preganglionic and postganglionic neurons that innervate the organ you chose from the division (sympathetic or parasympathetic) you chose.
Would your organ be controlled through a gray ramus communicans, splanchnic nerve, cranial nerve, or sacral spinal nerve?
Describe a situation, like a car crash, that increases or decreases the activity of your organ, and explain the effect that situation would have on your organ. Compare that effect to normal basal levels of your organ's activity. Explain how the change(s) in the activity of the organ of your choice might be perceived, if at all. Other situations could include a job interview, relaxing on a beach, encountering a growling dog while walking outside, jumping out of the way of an oncoming vehicle, getting a massage, feeling unsafe while walking down a dark street at night.
Full Answer Section
Comparison to Basal Levels:
Under normal basal conditions, the airways are constricted and the heart rate is lower. This is because the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for conserving energy and promoting rest and digestion.
Perceived Effects:
A person in a car crash may perceive the effects of the sympathetic nervous system activation as increased breathing, increased heart rate, and sweating. These are all normal physiological responses to a stressful situation.
Other Situations:
Other situations that can increase the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and stimulate the lungs include:
- Exercise
- Public speaking
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Pain
Other situations that can decrease the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and inhibit the lungs include:
- Relaxation
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Breathing exercises
Conclusion
The autonomic nervous system plays an important role in regulating the function of the lungs. The sympathetic nervous system stimulates the lungs in response to stressful situations, while the parasympathetic nervous system inhibits the lungs to promote rest and digestion.
Sample Answer
Organ: Lungs
Division of the ANS: Sympathetic
Effect on the Organ: Stimulated
Part of the Organ Affected: Airway smooth muscle and blood vessels
Neurotransmitters:
- Preganglionic neurons: Acetylcholine
- Postganglionic neurons: Norepinephrine
Location of Preganglionic and Postganglionic Neurons:
- Preganglionic neurons: T1-T5 spinal cord segments
- Postganglionic neurons: Pulmonary plexus
Control of the Organ: Gray ramus communicans
Situation: Car Crash
Effect on the Organ:
In a car crash, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, which causes the lungs to dilate and the heart rate to increase. This is known as the fight-or-flight response. The dilation of the airways allows for more oxygen to be taken in, and the increased heart rate helps to deliver that oxygen to the muscles and tissues that need it most.