Chapter 15.2, Problem 5LO

Summary Introduction

To describe: The general functions of the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system.

Concept introduction: The autonomic nervous system is a functional division of the peripheral nervous system. It involves two autonomic neurons in the efferent pathway, namely preganglionic neurons and postganglionic neurons. The cell body of the preganglionic neurons is in the central nervous system (CNS), whereas the postganglionic neurons lie entirely outside the CNS. The autonomic nervous system is (structurally and functionally) divided into two parts, namely the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).