SISTEMA NERVIOSO AUTÓNOMO | Qué es, cómo funciona, partes, qué controla y lesiones

Key Concepts:

• Sistema Nervioso Autónomo (Sistema Nervioso Autónomo): Part of the peripheral nervous system responsible for involuntary functions.
• Sistema Nervioso Periférico (Peripheral Nervous System): The part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.
• Sistema Nervioso Central (Central Nervous System): The brain and spinal cord.
• Sistema Nervioso Somático (Somatic Nervous System): Controls voluntary movements and sensory information from the skin and muscles.
• Sistema Simpático (Sympathetic Nervous System): Activates the body in stressful situations (fight or flight).
• Sistema Parasimpático (Parasympathetic Nervous System): Calms the body down after stress, promoting rest and digestion.
• Hipotálamo (Hypothalamus): Brain region that regulates the autonomic nervous system.
• Hipófisis (Pituitary gland): Endocrine gland connected to the hypothalamus that influences autonomic functions.
• Vísceras (Viscera): Internal organs.

1. Division of the Nervous System

• The nervous system is divided into two main parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
• The CNS includes the brain (cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem) and the spinal cord.
• The PNS consists of all the nerves that extend from the spinal cord to the periphery of the body.
• The PNS is further divided into the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the somatic nervous system.

2. Sistema Nervioso Autónomo (ANS)

• The ANS controls involuntary functions, regulating the activity of internal organs (vísceras), glands, and vital functions.
• It regulates systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, sexual, and urinary systems.
• It also controls pupil movement.
• The ANS is regulated centrally by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland (hipófisis), and other brain structures.

3. Sistema Nervioso Somático

• The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements by innervating skeletal muscles.
• It also handles sensory information from the skin, allowing us to feel sensations.

4. Simpático vs. Parasimpático

• The ANS is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
• The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for "fight or flight" situations, activating organs and suppressing non-essential functions.
• The parasympathetic nervous system promotes relaxation and recovery, restoring bodily functions after stress.
• The sympathetic system activates the body, while the parasympathetic system recovers and restores.

5. Inervación (Innervation) by the ANS

• The ANS innervates various organs and structures, including the pupils, glands, heart, lungs, digestive system (intestines), bladder, and genitals.
• The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems have opposing effects on these organs, either increasing or decreasing their functions as needed.

6. Examples of ANS Control

• Pupils: The ANS controls the dilation and constriction of the pupils.
• Heart: The ANS regulates heart rate and blood pressure.
• Digestive System: The ANS controls digestion and intestinal movements.
• Bladder: The ANS controls bladder function.
• Genitals: The ANS influences sexual function.

7. Conclusion

• The autonomic nervous system is a critical component of the peripheral nervous system, responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions.
• It is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, which work in opposition to maintain homeostasis.
• Understanding the ANS is essential for comprehending how the body responds to stress and maintains vital functions.