BMET 1302 -
Week 5 Discussion Board:
Autonomic Nervous System
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33 unread replies.
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42 replies.
Answer the following questions and respond to the other student. All responses
must be substantive and a minimum of 150 words
.
• Is the autonomic nervous system (ANS) considered involuntary or voluntary action?
• What is the difference between the sympathetic division and the parasympathetic
division of the ANS? Give an example.
BMET 1302 Class
Week 5 Discussion Board: Autonomic Nervous System
• Is the autonomic nervous system (ANS) considered involuntary or voluntary action?
A: The automatic nervous system controls the involuntary functions so its role is to act
reflexively and control involuntary action. This system also functions and influences the
activity of internal organs. For example we don't notice when blood vessels expand or
contract or when the heart beats slightly faster. Even though most of its actions are
involuntary, some work in conjunction with the somatic nervous system which provides
voluntary control.
• What is the difference between the sympathetic division and the parasympathetic
division of the ANS? Give an example.
A: The parasympathetic nervous system works in nonemergencies that allow us to rest
and digest. The sympathetic nervous system works in emergencies that cause stress
and require us to choose between fight or flight. The parasympathetic and sympathetic
stimulation generally wok in opposition to each other. For example in the iris structure
the parasympathetic stimulation controls pupil constriction and the sympathetic
stimulation controls pupil dilation.
A more detailed explanation is "The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) controls
homeostasis and the body at rest and is responsible for the body's "rest and digest"
function. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) controls the body's responses to a
perceived threat and is responsible for the "fight or flight" response."
https://www.diffen.com/difference/Parasympathetic_nervous_system_vs_Sympathetic_n
ervous_system
