Sympathetic division

Sympathetic Division

The Sympathetic Division is a part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that primarily functions to prepare the body for intense physical activity, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. It is one of the two main divisions of the ANS, the other being the parasympathetic division.

Function

The sympathetic division is responsible for accelerating the heart rate, dilating the bronchial passages, decreasing motility of the large intestine, dilating the pupils, and causing perspiration. It also inhibits certain non-emergency bodily processes such as digestion and urination.

Anatomy

The sympathetic division of the ANS originates in the spinal cord, specifically the thoracic and lumbar regions. The neurons of the sympathetic division then synapse with second-order neurons in the sympathetic ganglia, which are organized into two chains that run parallel to the spinal cord.

Neurotransmitters

The primary neurotransmitters of the sympathetic division are norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline) and epinephrine (also known as adrenaline). These neurotransmitters bind to adrenergic receptors on the target cells, triggering a response.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction of the sympathetic division can lead to a variety of medical conditions, including hypertension, anxiety disorders, and hyperhidrosis. Treatment for these conditions often involves medications that block the action of the sympathetic division, such as beta blockers.

See Also

• Autonomic nervous system
• Parasympathetic division
• Fight or flight response
• Adrenergic receptors

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