Table of Contents
The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is a division of the peripheral nervous system that regulates unconscious body processes such as heart rate, digestion, respiration, and perspiration. It is responsible for controlling involuntary actions that are essential for survival.
1. What is the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?
Answer: The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is a division of the peripheral nervous system that regulates unconscious body processes such as heart rate, digestion, respiration, and perspiration.
2. What is the role of the Autonomic Nervous System?
Answer: The Autonomic Nervous System is responsible for controlling involuntary actions that are essential for survival.
3. How is the Autonomic Nervous System different from the Central Nervous System?
Answer: The Autonomic Nervous System is part of the peripheral nervous system and is responsible for controlling involuntary actions, while the Central Nervous System is responsible for controlling the voluntary actions of the body.
4. What are the two branches of the Autonomic Nervous System?
Answer: The Autonomic Nervous System is divided into two branches: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.
5. What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system?
Answer: The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” response, activating the body’s energy reserves and increasing heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
6. What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Answer: The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response, calming the body and decreasing heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure.
7. What organs does the Autonomic Nervous System control?
Answer: The Autonomic Nervous System controls many organs, including the heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, bladder, and glands.
8. What happens when the Autonomic Nervous System is not functioning properly?
Answer: When the Autonomic Nervous System is not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of symptoms including lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, loss of consciousness, and difficulty concentrating.
9. What diseases can affect the Autonomic Nervous System?
Answer: Diseases that can affect the Autonomic Nervous System include diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and postural tachycardia syndrome.
10. How is the Autonomic Nervous System tested?
Answer: The Autonomic Nervous System can be tested through a variety of methods, including tilt table testing, heart rate variability testing, and sweat testing.