- Preface
- Introduction
- Part One Main Features of Structure and Function
- 1 Structure of the Neuron and Organization of Nervous Tissue
- 2 Glia
- 3 Neuronal Excitability
- 4 Synaptic Function
- 5 Neurotransmitters and Their Receptors
- 6 Parts of the Nervous System
- 7 The Coverings of the Brain and the Ventricular System
- 8 The Blood Supply of the CNS
- Part Two Development, Aging, and Plasticity
- 9 Prenatal and Postnatal Development
- 10 The Nervous System and Aging
- 11 Restitution of Function after Brain Damage
- Part Three Sensory Systems
- 12 Sensory Receptors in General
- 13 Peripheral Parts of the Somatosensory System
- 14 Central Parts of the Somatosensory System
- 15 Pain
- 16 The Visual System
- 17 The Auditory System
- 18 The Sense of Equilibrium
- 19 Olfaction and Taste
- Part Four Motor Systems
- 20 Motor Systems and Movements in General
- 21 The Peripheral Motor Neurons and Reflexes
- 22 The Motor Cortical Areas and Descending Pathways
- 23 The Basal Ganglia
- 24 The Cerebellum
- 25 Control of Eye Movements
- Part Five The Brain Stem and the Cranial Nerves
- 26 The Reticular Formation: Premotor Networks, Consciousness, and Sleep
- 27 The Cranial Nerves
- Part Six The Autonomic Nervous System
- 28 Visceral Efferent Neurons: The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Divisions
- 29 Sensory Visceral Neurons and Visceral Reflexes
- 30 The Central Autonomic System: The Hypothalamus
- Part Seven Limbic Structures
- 31 The Amygdala and Other Neuronal Groups with Relation to Emotions
- 32 The Hippocampal Formation: Learning and Memory
- Part Eight The Cerebral Cortex
- 33 The Cerebral Cortex: Intrinsic Organization and Connections
- 34 Functions of the Neocortex
- Literature
- Index
(p. 477) The Autonomic Nervous System
Chapter 28 deals with visceral efferent neurons that form the efferent part of the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic system is of special importance in stressful situations, whereas the parasympathetic system contributes primarily to maintenance. Both systems consist of two consecutive neurons. Preganglionic neurons have their cell bodies in the cord or brain stem, and their axons terminate in ganglia. Postganglionic neurons send their axons to smooth muscles and glands. The preganglionic sympathetic neurons lie in the intermediolateral column of the cord. All preganglionic neurons use acetylcholine as transmitter in the ganglia. Most postganglionic sympathetic neurons use norepinephrine, while parasympathetic neurons use acetylcholine. The preganglionic sympathetic fibers enter ganglia in the sympathetic trunk. From there postganglionic fibers follow the spinal nerves to the extremities and trunk. Sympathetic fibers to the viscera follow splanchnic nerves. The enteric system consists of neurons in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract.
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- Preface
- Introduction
- Part One Main Features of Structure and Function
- 1 Structure of the Neuron and Organization of Nervous Tissue
- 2 Glia
- 3 Neuronal Excitability
- 4 Synaptic Function
- 5 Neurotransmitters and Their Receptors
- 6 Parts of the Nervous System
- 7 The Coverings of the Brain and the Ventricular System
- 8 The Blood Supply of the CNS
- Part Two Development, Aging, and Plasticity
- 9 Prenatal and Postnatal Development
- 10 The Nervous System and Aging
- 11 Restitution of Function after Brain Damage
- Part Three Sensory Systems
- 12 Sensory Receptors in General
- 13 Peripheral Parts of the Somatosensory System
- 14 Central Parts of the Somatosensory System
- 15 Pain
- 16 The Visual System
- 17 The Auditory System
- 18 The Sense of Equilibrium
- 19 Olfaction and Taste
- Part Four Motor Systems
- 20 Motor Systems and Movements in General
- 21 The Peripheral Motor Neurons and Reflexes
- 22 The Motor Cortical Areas and Descending Pathways
- 23 The Basal Ganglia
- 24 The Cerebellum
- 25 Control of Eye Movements
- Part Five The Brain Stem and the Cranial Nerves
- 26 The Reticular Formation: Premotor Networks, Consciousness, and Sleep
- 27 The Cranial Nerves
- Part Six The Autonomic Nervous System
- 28 Visceral Efferent Neurons: The Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Divisions
- 29 Sensory Visceral Neurons and Visceral Reflexes
- 30 The Central Autonomic System: The Hypothalamus
- Part Seven Limbic Structures
- 31 The Amygdala and Other Neuronal Groups with Relation to Emotions
- 32 The Hippocampal Formation: Learning and Memory
- Part Eight The Cerebral Cortex
- 33 The Cerebral Cortex: Intrinsic Organization and Connections
- 34 Functions of the Neocortex
- Literature
- Index
