The autonomic nervous system includes the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system

The nervous system is a kind of apparatus,which connects all organs, creates a relationship between their functions, which guarantees the uninterrupted operation of the human body as a whole. The main element of this complex mechanism is the neuron - the smallest structure that exchanges impulses with other neurons.

The main vegetative processes in the body

Organization of the autonomic nervous system (VNS)there is not only a human and vertebrate animals. The term "vegetative" was introduced by scientists, proceeding from the fact that this complex mechanism, consisting of chains of neurons, is also inherent in primitive organisms, regulating the elementary processes of their vital activity.

The English physiologist called vegetative nervousThe system is autonomous, because its functions do not lend themselves to conscious control or termination. In mammals, which, in fact, refers to a person, it is responsible for several vital biological processes:

• work of the cardiovascular system;
• regulation of blood circulation;
• exercise of digestion, breathing;
• selection functions;
• reproduction and metabolism.

Departments of the vegetative system: physiological features

If we consider the vegetative system withanatomical point of view, conditionally it can be divided into two subsystems: sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic (PNS). Their efferent pathways are based on a consistent connection of neurons emanating from the central nervous system (CNS).

Anatomical differences between sympathetic andparasympathetic nervous systems lie in the arrangement of neuronal cell bodies - the SNS belonging to the spinal cord of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae, and those belonging to the PNS department are grouped in the medulla oblongata and sacral divisions of the spinal cord. The second neural chain is located outside the central nervous system, it forms the ganglia in the immediate vicinity of the spine.

Role of metasympathetic department

Sympathetic and parasympathetic departments of the nervoussystems have a fundamental effect on the work of most internal organs through the so-called vagus nerve. If we compare the transmission rates of the pulses of the central and vegetative systems, the latter is significantly inferior. Combining SNS and PNS can be called a metasympathetic department - this site is located on the walls of the organs. Thus, all internal processes of the human body are controlled by the established work of vegetative structures.

The principle of the work of vegetative divisions

Functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systemThe system can not be considered interchangeable. Both departments supply neurons with the same tissues, creating an unbreakable connection with the central nervous system, but they can have absolutely the opposite effect. The following table will help you to see this clearly:

Organs and Systems	Sympathetic system	Parasympathetic system
Pupils	are expanding	narrow
Salivary glands	causes a small amount of thick liquid	intensive production of watery secretions
Tear glands	does not work	causes increased secretion production
Contractility of the heart muscle, rhythm	provokes more rapid heartbeat, strengthens cuts	weakens, reduces the frequency of heart attacks
Vessels and blood circulation	responsible for narrowing the arteries and increasing blood pressure	practically does not influence
Breathing organs	enhances, enlarges the lumen of the bronchi	narrows the lumen of the bronchi, there is a decrease in breathing
Musculature	leads to tonus	relaxes
Sweat glands	activates sweat production	does not work
Gastrointestinal tract and digestive system	inhibits mobility	activates mobility
Sphincters	activates	inhibits
Adrenal and Endocrine System	development of epinephrine and norepinephrine	does not work
Genital organs	responsible for ejaculation	is responsible for an erection

Sympathicotonia - disorders of the sympathetic system

Sympathetic and parasympathetic departments of the nervoussystem is in an equal position, without the predominance of one over the other. In other cases sympathicotonia and vagotonia develop, which is manifested by increased excitability. If we are talking about the predominance of the sympathetic department over parasympathetic, the signs of pathology will be:

• feverish condition;
• cardiopalmus;
• numbness and tingling in the tissues;
• irritability and apathy;
• increased appetite;
• thoughts of death;
• distraction;
• decreased salivation;
• headache.

Parasympathetic system disorder - vagotonia

If, on the background of the weak activity of the sympathetic department, parasympathetic processes are activated, the person will feel:

• increased sweating;
• lowering blood pressure;
• change in heart rate;
• short-term loss of consciousness;
• increased salivation;
• fatigue;
• indecisiveness.

What is the difference between the SNA and the PNC?

The main difference between the sympathetic nervous system andparasympathetic is its ability to increase the body's ability in the event of a sudden need. This department is a unique vegetative structure, which in an emergency situation brings together all available resources and helps a person cope with a task that is almost on the verge of his capabilities.

Functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systemsystems are aimed at maintaining the natural work of internal organs, even in critical situations for the body. Increased activity of SNS and PNS helps to overcome various stressful circumstances:

• excessive physical activity;
• psychoemotional disorders;
• complex diseases and inflammatory processes;
• metabolic disorders;
• development of diabetes mellitus.

With emotional shocks in a person beginsthe autonomic nervous system is more active. Sympathetic and parasympathetic departments enhance the actions of neurons and strengthen the connections between nerve fibers. If the main task of the PNS is the restoration of normal self-regulation and protective functions of the body, the SNS action is aimed at improving adrenaline production by the adrenal glands. This hormonal substance helps a person cope with the increased sudden load, it is easier to carry dramatic events. After the sympathetic and parasympathetic departments of the autonomic nervous system spend the possible resources, the body needs rest. For complete recovery, a person will need 7-8 hours of night sleep.

Unlike the sympathetic nervous system,parasympathetic and metasympathetic autonomic departments have a somewhat different purpose, related to maintaining the body's functions in peace. PNS acts differently, reducing the frequency of heart rate and the strength of muscle contractions. Thanks to the parasympathetic component of the vegetative system, the digestive function is stimulated, including when the level of glucose is insufficient, protective reflexes (vomiting, sneezing, diarrhea, coughing) are triggered, aimed at releasing the body from harmful and alien elements.

What to do if there are violations from the vegetative system?

Noticing the slightest violations byfunctionality of the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system, it is worthwhile to see a doctor. In neglected cases, violations lead to neurasthenia, peptic ulcer diseases, hypertension. Drug treatment should only be prescribed by a qualified neurologist, but any factors that excite the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, including physical exertion, psychoemotional upheavals, feelings, fears and fears, must be eliminated from the patient.

To adjust the vegetative processes in the body,it is desirable to take care of a cozy home atmosphere and to receive only positive emotions. In addition to the above, one should also include physiotherapy, respiratory gymnastics, yoga, swimming. This helps to remove the general tone and relaxation.

</ p>