Chapter 17

The Nervous
System
The Autonomic
Nervous System

Lecture Presentation by
Steven Bassett
Southeast Community College

2015 Pearson Education, Inc.

 Introduction

The autonomic nervous system functions

outside of our conscious awareness
The autonomic nervous system makes
routine adjustments in our bodys systems
The autonomic nervous system:
Regulates body temperature
Coordinates cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive,
excretory, and reproductive functions

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 A Comparison of the Somatic and
Autonomic Nervous Systems
Autonomic Nervous System
Axons innervate the visceral organs
Has afferent and efferent neurons
Afferent pathways originate in the visceral
receptors
Somatic nervous system
Axons innervate the skeletal muscles
Has afferent and efferent neurons
Afferent pathways originate in the skeletal
muscles

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 Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
Subdivisions of the ANS
The autonomic nervous system consists of
two major subdivisions
Sympathetic division
Also called the thoracolumbar division
Most active during times of stress, exertion, or
emergency
Parasympathetic division
Also called the craniosacral division
Most active during resting conditions

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Figure 17.1 An Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System (1 of 2)

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Figure 17.1 An Introduction to the Autonomic Nervous System (2 of 2)

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 Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
Subdivisions of the ANS
The autonomic nervous system consists of
a third division (not commonly discussed)
Enteric Nervous System
Neurons located in the walls of the digestive tract
Many visceral reflexes are initiated by the ENS

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 The Sympathetic Division

Sympathetic division consists of:

Preganglionic neurons between T1 and L2
Neuronal cell bodies in ganglia near the
vertebral column
Sympathetic chain ganglia
Collateral ganglia
Specialized neurons in the interior of the
suprarenal gland

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Figure 17.2 Organization of the Sympathetic Division of the ANS

Sympathetic Division of ANS

Innervation by
postganglionic
fibers
Ganglionic Neurons Target Organs

Preganglionic Visceral effectors

Neurons in thoracic cavity,
Sympathetic
chain ganglia head, body wall,
(paired) and limbs
Lateral gray
horns of spinal Collateral
Visceral effectors
segments ganglia
in abdominopelvic
T1L2 (unpaired)
cavity
Suprarenal
medullae Organs and systems
(paired) throughout body
KEY
Preganglionic fibers
Through release of
hormones into
Postganglionic fibers
the circulation
Hormones released
into circulation

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 The Sympathetic Division

Sympathetic Chain Ganglia

Also called: paravertebral ganglia or lateral
ganglia
Control effectors in the body wall, head, neck,
limbs, and thoracic cavity
Preganglionic Neurons
Cell bodies are in the lateral gray horns
Axons enter the ventral roots

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 The Sympathetic Division

Collateral Ganglia
Also called prevertebral ganglia
Neurons innervate effectors in the abdominopelvic
cavity
Specialized Neurons
Modified sympathetic ganglion in the suprarenal
gland
Neurons release neurotransmitters that act like
hormones

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 The Sympathetic Division

The Sympathetic Chain Ganglia

The ventral root joins a dorsal root
Forms a spinal nerve
Passes through an intervertebral foramen
White ramus branches off the spinal nerve

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Figure 17.3a Sympathetic Pathways and Their General Functions
a Sympathetic Chain Ganglia
Spinal
nerve
Autonomic ganglion
of left sympathetic chain
Sympathetic nerve
(postganglionic
fibers)
Innervates visceral
organs in thoracic
cavity via
sympathetic nerves
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Major effects produced by sympathetic postganglionic
Preganglionic Autonomic ganglion of fibers in spinal nerves:
neuron right sympathetic chain
Constriction of cutaneous blood vessels, reduction in
circulation to the skin and to most other organs in the
body wall
Innervates Acceleration of blood flow to skeletal muscles
and brain
visceral
effectors via Stimulation of energy production and use by skeletal
spinal nerves muscle tissue
Release of stored lipids from subcutaneous
adipose tissue
White Stimulation of secretion by sweat glands
ramus Stimulation of arrector pili
Ganglionic Dilation of the pupils and focusing for distant objects
neuron
Major effects produced by postganglionic fibers
Gray ramus entering the thoracic cavity in sympathetic nerves:
Acceleration of heart rate and increasing the
strength of cardiac contractions
Dilation of respiratory passageways
KEY
Preganglionic neurons
Postganglionic neurons
 The Sympathetic Division

Functions of Sympathetic Chain

Decreases:
Blood circulation to the skin
Increases:
Heart rate and blood circulation to skeletal muscles
Stimulates:
More energy production by skeletal muscles
Arrector pili muscles and sweat glands
The release of stored lipids
Dilates:
Pupils and respiratory tubes

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 The Sympathetic Division

Anatomy of the Sympathetic Chain

Cluster of ganglia that parallel the spinal cord
Each sympathetic chain consists of:
3 cervical ganglia
1112 thoracic ganglia
25 lumbar ganglia
45 sacral ganglia
1 coccygeal ganglion

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Figure 17.4 Anatomical Distribution of Sympathetic Postganglionic Fibers

Eye

PONS

Salivary
glands

Sympathetic nerves
Superior
Middle
Cervical Heart
sympathetic
ganglia Inferior
Cardiac and
T1 T1 pulmonary
Greater plexuses
Gray rami to T2 T2 splanchnic
spinal nerves nerve
T3 T3 Lung
Celiac ganglion
T4 T4
T5 T5
Superior
T6 T6 mesenteric Liver and
ganglion gallbladder
T7 T7

T8 T8 Stomach

T9 T9 Lesser
T10 splanchnic Spleen
T10
nerve
T11 T11 Pancreas

T12 T12
Large intestine
Postganglionic fibers L1 L1
of spinal nerves Lumbar
L2 L2
(innervating skin, blood splanchnic nerves Inferior Small intestine
vessels, sweat glands, mesenteric
L3 L3
arrector pili muscles, ganglion
adipose tissue) L4 L4
L5 L5
Suprarenal
S1 S1 medulla
S2 Sacral
S2
splanchnic
Sympathetic S3 S3 Kidney
S4 S4 nerves
chain ganglia S5 S5

Spinal cord

KEY Coccygeal
ganglia (Co1)
Preganglionic fibers
fused together
Postganglionic fibers (ganglion impar) Uterus Ovary Penis Scrotum Urinary bladder

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 The Sympathetic Division

Anatomy of the Sympathetic Chain

Preganglionic and postganglionic neurons
Cervical chain
Only has postganglionic neurons
Thoracic chain
Has both preganglionic and postganglionic neurons
Lumbar chain
Only has postganglionic neurons
Sacral chain
Only has postganglionic neurons
Coccygeal chain
Has only postganglionic neurons
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Figure 17.4 Anatomical Distribution of Sympathetic Postganglionic Fibers

Eye

PONS

Salivary
glands

Sympathetic nerves
Superior
Middle
Cervical Heart
sympathetic
ganglia Inferior
Cardiac and
T1 T1 pulmonary
Greater plexuses
Gray rami to T2 T2 splanchnic
spinal nerves nerve
T3 T3 Lung
Celiac ganglion
T4 T4
T5 T5
Superior
T6 T6 mesenteric Liver and
ganglion gallbladder
T7 T7

T8 T8 Stomach

T9 T9 Lesser
T10 splanchnic Spleen
T10
nerve
T11 T11 Pancreas

T12 T12
Large intestine
Postganglionic fibers L1 L1
of spinal nerves Lumbar
L2 L2
(innervating skin, blood splanchnic nerves Inferior Small intestine
vessels, sweat glands, mesenteric
L3 L3
arrector pili muscles, ganglion
adipose tissue) L4 L4
L5 L5
Suprarenal
S1 S1 medulla
S2 Sacral
S2
splanchnic
Sympathetic S3 S3 Kidney
S4 S4 nerves
chain ganglia S5 S5

Spinal cord

KEY Coccygeal
ganglia (Co1)
Preganglionic fibers
fused together
Postganglionic fibers (ganglion impar) Uterus Ovary Penis Scrotum Urinary bladder

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 The Sympathetic Division

Splanchnic Nerves and Collateral Ganglia

Splanchnic nerves are bundles of preganglionic
fibers
Converge on collateral ganglia
Innervates visceral tissue and organs

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Figure 17.4 Anatomical Distribution of Sympathetic Postganglionic Fibers

Eye

PONS

Salivary
glands

Sympathetic nerves
Superior
Middle
Cervical Heart
sympathetic
ganglia Inferior
Cardiac and
T1 T1 pulmonary
Greater plexuses
Gray rami to T2 T2 splanchnic
spinal nerves nerve
T3 T3 Lung
Celiac ganglion
T4 T4
T5 T5
Superior
T6 T6 mesenteric Liver and
ganglion gallbladder
T7 T7

T8 T8 Stomach

T9 T9 Lesser
T10 splanchnic Spleen
T10
nerve
T11 T11 Pancreas

T12 T12
Large intestine
Postganglionic fibers L1 L1
of spinal nerves Lumbar
L2 L2
(innervating skin, blood splanchnic nerves Inferior Small intestine
vessels, sweat glands, mesenteric
L3 L3
arrector pili muscles, ganglion
adipose tissue) L4 L4
L5 L5
Suprarenal
S1 S1 medulla
S2 Sacral
S2
splanchnic
Sympathetic S3 S3 Kidney
S4 S4 nerves
chain ganglia S5 S5

Spinal cord

KEY Coccygeal
ganglia (Co1)
Preganglionic fibers
fused together
Postganglionic fibers (ganglion impar) Uterus Ovary Penis Scrotum Urinary bladder

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Figure 17.3b Sympathetic Pathways and Their General Functions

b Collateral Ganglia
Major effects produced by postganglionic fibers
of the collateral ganglia:
Constriction of small arteries and reduction in the
flow of blood to visceral organs
Decrease in the activity of digestive glands and
Lateral gray horn organs
Stimulation of the release of glucose from glycogen
reserves in the liver
Stimulation of the release of lipids from adipose
Splanchnic nerve White
tissue
(preganglionic ramus
Relaxation of the smooth muscle in the wall of the
fibers) urinary bladder
Reduction of the rate of urine formation at the
kidneys
Control of some aspects of sexual function, such as
Collateral Innervates ejaculation in males
Postganglionic visceral organs in
ganglion
fibers abdominopelvic
cavity

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 The Sympathetic Division

Anatomy of the Collateral Ganglia

There are three collateral ganglia
Celiac ganglion
Innervates stomach, duodenum, liver, gallbladder,
pancreas, spleen, and kidney
Superior mesenteric ganglion
Innervates small intestine and initial segments of
large intestine
Inferior mesenteric ganglion
Innervates terminal portions of large intestine, the
kidney, urinary bladder, and sex organs

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Figure 17.4 Anatomical Distribution of Sympathetic Postganglionic Fibers

Eye

PONS

Salivary
glands

Sympathetic nerves
Superior
Middle
Cervical Heart
sympathetic
ganglia Inferior
Cardiac and
T1 T1 pulmonary
Greater plexuses
Gray rami to T2 T2 splanchnic
spinal nerves nerve
T3 T3 Lung
Celiac ganglion
T4 T4
T5 T5
Superior
T6 T6 mesenteric Liver and
ganglion gallbladder
T7 T7

T8 T8 Stomach

T9 T9 Lesser
T10 splanchnic Spleen
T10
nerve
T11 T11 Pancreas

T12 T12
Large intestine
Postganglionic fibers L1 L1
of spinal nerves Lumbar
L2 L2
(innervating skin, blood splanchnic nerves Inferior Small intestine
vessels, sweat glands, mesenteric
L3 L3
arrector pili muscles, ganglion
adipose tissue) L4 L4
L5 L5
Suprarenal
S1 S1 medulla
S2 Sacral
S2
splanchnic
Sympathetic S3 S3 Kidney
S4 S4 nerves
chain ganglia S5 S5

Spinal cord

KEY Coccygeal
ganglia (Co1)
Preganglionic fibers
fused together
Postganglionic fibers (ganglion impar) Uterus Ovary Penis Scrotum Urinary bladder

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Figure 17.3b Sympathetic Pathways and Their General Functions

b Collateral Ganglia
Major effects produced by postganglionic fibers
of the collateral ganglia:
Constriction of small arteries and reduction in the
flow of blood to visceral organs
Decrease in the activity of digestive glands and
Lateral gray horn organs
Stimulation of the release of glucose from glycogen
reserves in the liver
Stimulation of the release of lipids from adipose
Splanchnic nerve White
tissue
(preganglionic ramus
Relaxation of the smooth muscle in the wall of the
fibers) urinary bladder
Reduction of the rate of urine formation at the
kidneys
Control of some aspects of sexual function, such as
Collateral Innervates ejaculation in males
Postganglionic visceral organs in
ganglion
fibers abdominopelvic
cavity

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 The Sympathetic Division

The Suprarenal Medullae

Preganglionic fibers proceed to the suprarenal
medulla (medulla of adrenal glands)
Release neurotransmitters
Epinephrine and norepinephrine
Epinephrine is also called adrenaline
Epinephrine accounts for 7580% of the secretions
These neurotransmitters generally cause changes
in the metabolic activities of cells

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Figure 17.4 Anatomical Distribution of Sympathetic Postganglionic Fibers

Eye

PONS

Salivary
glands

Sympathetic nerves
Superior
Middle
Cervical Heart
sympathetic
ganglia Inferior
Cardiac and
T1 T1 pulmonary
Greater plexuses
Gray rami to T2 T2 splanchnic
spinal nerves nerve
T3 T3 Lung
Celiac ganglion
T4 T4
T5 T5
Superior
T6 T6 mesenteric Liver and
ganglion gallbladder
T7 T7

T8 T8 Stomach

T9 T9 Lesser
T10 splanchnic Spleen
T10
nerve
T11 T11 Pancreas

T12 T12
Large intestine
Postganglionic fibers L1 L1
of spinal nerves Lumbar
L2 L2
(innervating skin, blood splanchnic nerves Inferior Small intestine
vessels, sweat glands, mesenteric
L3 L3
arrector pili muscles, ganglion
adipose tissue) L4 L4
L5 L5
Suprarenal
S1 S1 medulla
S2 Sacral
S2
splanchnic
Sympathetic S3 S3 Kidney
S4 S4 nerves
chain ganglia S5 S5

Spinal cord

KEY Coccygeal
ganglia (Co1)
Preganglionic fibers
fused together
Postganglionic fibers (ganglion impar) Uterus Ovary Penis Scrotum Urinary bladder

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Figure 17.3c Sympathetic Pathways and Their General Functions

c The Suprarenal Medullae

Major effect produced by preganglionic fibers
innervating the suprarenal medullae:
Release of epinephrine and norepinephrine into
the general circulation

Preganglionic fibers Suprarenal Secrete

medullae neurotransmitters
Endocrine cells into general
(specialized ganglionic circulation
neurons)

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 The Sympathetic Division

Effects of Sympathetic Stimulation

Increased alertness
A feeling of energy and euphoria
Increased cardiovascular activity
Increased respiratory activity
Increased muscle tone
Increased mobilization of energy reserves

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 The Sympathetic Division

Sympathetic Activation and Neurotransmitter

Release
Sympathetic ganglion fibers release acetylcholine
at the synapse with ganglionic neurons
These are cholinergic synapses
The stimulation of ganglionic neurons causes the
release of norepinephrine at the neuroeffector
junction
These terminals are adrenergic

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 The Sympathetic Division

Sympathetic Activation and Neurotransmitter

Release
Some ganglionic neurons release acetylcholine
Especially at the neuroeffector junctions of skeletal
muscles

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Figure 17.6 Sympathetic Postganglionic Nerve Endings

Preganglionic fiber Ganglionic

(myelinated) neuron

Postganglionic fiber
(unmyelinated)
Ganglion

Varicosities

Vesicles containing Mitochondrion

norepinephrine

Schwann cell
cytoplasm

5 m

Smooth muscle cells Varicosities

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 The Sympathetic Division

Plasmalemma Receptors and Sympathetic

Function
There are two classes of plasmalemma receptors
Alpha receptors
Stimulated by epinephrine
Stimulated by norepinephrine
Beta receptors
Stimulated by epinephrine

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 The Sympathetic Division

A Summary of the Sympathetic Division

Consists of parallel chains on either side of the
spinal cord
Preganglionic fibers are short and extend from
the spinal cord to the sympathetic chain
Postganglionic fibers are long and extend from
the spinal cord to the body organs

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 The Sympathetic Division

A Summary of the Sympathetic Division

The sympathetic division shows considerable
divergence
All preganglionic neurons release ACh / most
postganglionic neurons release norepinephrine
The effector response depends on the presence of
either alpha receptors or beta receptors

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Figure 17.4 Anatomical Distribution of Sympathetic Postganglionic Fibers

Eye

PONS

Salivary
glands

Sympathetic nerves
Superior
Middle
Cervical Heart
sympathetic
ganglia Inferior
Cardiac and
T1 T1 pulmonary
Greater plexuses
Gray rami to T2 T2 splanchnic
spinal nerves nerve
T3 T3 Lung
Celiac ganglion
T4 T4
T5 T5
Superior
T6 T6 mesenteric Liver and
ganglion gallbladder
T7 T7

T8 T8 Stomach

T9 T9 Lesser
T10 splanchnic Spleen
T10
nerve
T11 T11 Pancreas

T12 T12
Large intestine
Postganglionic fibers L1 L1
of spinal nerves Lumbar
L2 L2
(innervating skin, blood splanchnic nerves Inferior Small intestine
vessels, sweat glands, mesenteric
L3 L3
arrector pili muscles, ganglion
adipose tissue) L4 L4
L5 L5
Suprarenal
S1 S1 medulla
S2 Sacral
S2
splanchnic
Sympathetic S3 S3 Kidney
S4 S4 nerves
chain ganglia S5 S5

Spinal cord

KEY Coccygeal
ganglia (Co1)
Preganglionic fibers
fused together
Postganglionic fibers (ganglion impar) Uterus Ovary Penis Scrotum Urinary bladder

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 The Parasympathetic Division

Parasympathetic Division
Preganglionic neurons are in the brain stem and
sacral segments
Preganglionic neurons do not diverge as much as
the sympathetic division
Therefore, the parasympathetic division is more
localized and specific as compared to the
sympathetic division
Postganglionic neurons are near (terminal) the
target organ or within (intramural) the target organ

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 The Parasympathetic Division

Organization and Anatomy of the

Parasympathetic Division
Preganglionic fibers leave the brain via:
CN III (to the intrinsic eye muscles, pupil, and lens)
CN VII (to the tear glands and salivary glands)
CN IX (to the parotid salivary glands)
CN X (to the visceral organs of the thoracic cavity
and abdominal cavity)
Preganglionic fibers leave the sacral region via:
Pelvic nerves (to the visceral organs in the inferior
portion of the abdominopelvic cavity

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Figure 17.7 Organization of the Parasympathetic Division of the ANS

Parasympathetic Division of ANS

Preganglionic Neurons Ganglionic Neurons Target Organs

N III
Nuclei in
Ciliary ganglion Intrinsic eye muscles
brain stem (pupil and lens shape)
N VII

N IX Pterygopalatine Nasal glands, tear

and submandibular glands, and salivery
ganglia glands

Otic ganglion Parotid salivary gland

NX

Intramural Visceral organs

ganglia of neck,
thoracic cavity,
and most of
abdominal cavity

Nuclei in Pelvic
nerves Intramural Visceral organs in
KEY spinal cord
interior portion of
segments ganglia
Preganglionic fibers abdominopelvic cavity
S2-S4
Postganglionic fibers

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Figure 17.8 Anatomical Distribution of the Parasympathetic Output
Pterygopalatine ganglion
N III
Lacrimal
gland

Ciliary ganglion Eye

PONS
N VII
Salivary
Submandibular
glands
ganglion
N IX

Otic ganglion

N X (Vagus)
Heart

Lungs

Autonomic plexuses
(see Figure 17.9 ) Liver and
gallbladder
Stomach
Spleen
Pancreas

Large intestine
Pelvic
nerves Small intestine
Rectum

Spinal S2 Kidney
cord S3
S4

KEY
Preganglionic fibers
Postganglionic fibers Uterus Ovary Penis Scrotum Urinary bladder
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 The Parasympathetic Division

General Functions of the Parasympathetic Division

Parasympathetic stimulation generally results in:
Relaxation
Food processing
Energy absorption
Major effects of parasympathetic stimulation
Pupil constriction
Secretion of digestive enzymes from:
Salivary glands, gastric glands, duodenal glands,
pancreas, and liver

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 The Parasympathetic Division

General Functions of the Parasympathetic Division

Major effects of parasympathetic stimulation
(continued)
Secretion of hormones that promote nutrient
absorption
Increased smooth muscle activity of the digestive
system
Stimulation and coordination of defecation
Contraction of the urinary bladder
Constriction of respiratory passages
Reduced heart rate
Sexual arousal
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 The Parasympathetic Division

Parasympathetic Activation and Neurotransmitter

Release
All preganglionic and postganglionic fibers release
ACh at their synapses and neuroeffector junctions
Most parasympathetic stimulations are short lived
This is due to the immediate breakdown of ACh by
acetylcholinesterase
Any diffused ACh will be deactivated by
cholinesterase
Thus, parasympathetic stimulations are very
localized

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 The Parasympathetic Division

Plasmalemma Receptors and Responses

Two types of ACh receptors are found on the
postsynaptic plasmalemmae:
Nicotinic receptors
Respond to nicotine
Found on surfaces of parasympathetic and
sympathetic ganglionic neurons
Muscarinic receptors
Respond to muscarine
Found on surfaces of parasympathetic cholinergic
neuroeffector junctions

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 The Parasympathetic Division

A Summary of the Parasympathetic Division

Involves CN III, CN VII, CN IX, and CN X
Involves sacral segments S2 to S4
All parasympathetic neurons are cholinergic
Release of ACh stimulates nicotinic receptors on
ganglionic neurons
Effect is always excitatory
Release of ACh on neuroeffector junctions
stimulates muscarinic receptors
Effect can be excitatory or inhibitory

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 The Parasympathetic Division

A Summary of the Parasympathetic Division

(continued)
Parasympathetic stimulation are usually brief
Parasympathetic stimulation is localized
Parasympathetic nerves innervate
Head, thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic organs

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 Relationships between the Sympathetic and
Parasympathetic Divisions
Sympathetic
Widespread effect on visceral organs
Parasympathetic
Modifies the activity of structures innervated by
specific cranial nerves and pelvic nerves
Most vital organs are innervated by both the
sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves
This is known as dual innervation
The two often oppose (antagonistic) each other

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 Relationships between the Sympathetic and
Parasympathetic Divisions
Anatomy of Dual Innervation
Head region
The parasympathetic fibers accompany the
sympathetic fibers to the target organ
Thoracic and abdominopelvic regions
The parasympathetic and sympathetic fibers
mingle together forming plexuses
Cardiac, pulmonary, esophageal, celiac, inferior
mesenteric, and hypogastric plexus

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Figure 17.9a The Peripheral Autonomic Plexuses

Trachea

Left vagus nerve

Right vagus nerve

Aortic arch Autonomic Plexuses

and Ganglia
Thoracic
Cardiac plexus
spinal
nerves Pulmonary plexus

Thoracic sympathetic
chain ganglia
Esophagus
Esophageal plexus
Splanchnic
nerves
Celiac plexus and
ganglion
Diaphragm
Superior mesenteric
Celiac trunk ganglion

Superior mesenteric
Inferior mesenteric
artery
plexus and ganglion
Inferior mesenteric
artery

Hypogastric plexus

Pelvic sympathetic
chain

a This is a diagrammatic view of the distribution of ANS plexuses

in the thoracic cavity (cardiac, esophageal, and pulmonary
plexuses) and the abdominopelvic cavity (celiac, inferior
mesenteric, and hypogastric plexuses).
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 Relationships between the Sympathetic and
Parasympathetic Divisions
A Comparison of the Sympathetic and
Parasympathetic Divisions
Compare the length of the preganglionic fibers
Compare the length of the postganglionic fibers
Compare the location of the ganglia
Compare the neurotransmitter released
Compare the degree of divergence

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Figure 17.10 A Comparison of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Divisions.

Sympathetic Parasympathetic

CNS Preganglionic
neuron

PNS
Preganglionic KEY
Sympathetic fiber Neurotransmitters
ganglion
Acetylcholine
Norepinephrine
or Epinephrine

Ganglionic
neurons

Circulatory
system Postganglionic Parasympathetic
fiber ganglion

TARGET

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Table 17.1 A Comparison of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Divisions of the ANS

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 Visceral Reflexes

Provide autonomic motor responses to:

Modify or facilitate higher centers
All visceral reflexes are polysynaptic
Reflexes can be:
Long reflexes
Short reflexes

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 Visceral Reflexes

Long Reflexes
Visceral sensory neurons go to the CNS via the
dorsal roots
There are interneurons within the CNS
Information is interpreted in the spinal cord or
brain
ANS sends motor commands to the visceral
organs

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 Visceral Reflexes

Short Reflexes
Sensory nerve impulses go to the ganglionic
neurons
Motor commands are distributed by the
postganglionic fibers
Impulses bypass the CNS

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Figure 17.11 Visceral Reflexes

Receptors Afferent
in peripheral (sensory)
tissue fibers CENTRAL NERVOUS
SYSTEM
Stimulus

Long
reflex

Short
reflex
Processing center
in spinal cord
(or brain)
Peripheral
Response
effector
Autonomic ganglion
Postganglionic Preganglionic
(sympathetic or
neuron parasympathetic)
neuron

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