Physiology 1020 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Hypothalamus, Libido, Respiratory Center

• School: Western University
• Department: Physiology
• Course: Physiology 1020
• Professor: Christine Bell

Document Summary

Major functions: maintain optimal performance of visceral organs, glands, smooth muscle, and. A. cardiac muscle in order to maintain homeostatic state within body involuntary nervous system - not under conscious control: regulates heart rate, blood. 1. pressure, respiratory rate, body temperature, smooth muscle contraction, glandular function, and secretions. General visceral motor system - most effectors (organs & tissues regulated) are visceral. 2. (as opposed to somatic - skeletal muscle & joints) Autonomic - organs, glands, smooth & cardiac muscle. Somatic - one motor neuron from cns to skeletal muscle. Action of neurotransmitters: somatic - acetylcholine (ach); stimulatory, autonomic - post ganglionic neurons may release either ach or norepinephrine (ne); whether response is stimulatory or inhibitory depends on the effector, coordination of somatic and autonomic systems. Both systems send their motor neurons to effectors via the 31 pairs of spinal a. nerves and 12 pairs of cranial nerves.