BIO 12 UNIT 4: Study Notes

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION

• Involuntary Control of blood pressure and heart rate
• BP too low ---> Response is CONSTRICTION of arterial walls (smooth muscle)
• BP too high ---> Response is RELAXATION of arterial walls (smooth muscle)
• 2 Subdivisions of Nervous System:
• Sympathetic: Increases BP by increasing heart rate (Contraction: works when BP is too low, excitation, "fight or flight", unusual/dangerous situations)
• Parasympathetic: Decreases BP (Inhibits Sympathetic system, prevents an increase in BP, decreases heart rate, relaxes, works when BP is too high, stabilizer)

HERE IS A HELPFUL VIDEO EXPLAINING THE CONCEPT:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFYRosjcVuU