NURSING CARE RELATED TO THE SENSORY AND 2-10 |
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2-10. THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
a. The ANS is the portion of the nervous system concerned with innervation of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and the glands. The ANS regulates visceral activities such as:
b. It has always been thought that autonomic control is an "automatic" function and not of conscious control. However, recent research indicates that conscious control is possible with proper training. A classic example is the control of headache and hypertension by utilizing biofeedback techniques.
c. In the autonomic nervous system, there are two neurons, one following the other, that connect the CNS with the viscera of the body.
d. The ANS is organized into two major divisions:
e. Under ordinary circumstances, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems have opposite effects on bodily activities. That is, one system will stimulate action and the other will inhibit action. The interplay maintains bodily function in a state of equilibrium known as homeostasis.
f. The "fight or flight" response is produced by the sympathetic nervous system when conditions of stress or threat prevail.
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