The Brain and Autonomic Nervous System

Human Physiology and Anatomy 231

Compiled by Pat Bowne, Sherry Dollhopf, and Justin LaManna, 2007-10
Overview

The human brain is the command center for the entire body and functions much like the brain of other animals. Many of the more complex functions of the brain, such as memory, reasoning, personality, and emotion are not fully understood. A much better understood function of the brain is the regulation of homeostasis through control of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is divided into two parts – the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems. The two systems are responsible for maintaining homeostasis through the control of our organs and blood vessels.

 
Prerequisites

--Understand action potentials and nerve cell firing.

--Understand the mechanisms of neurotransmitter signaling.

 

 
Learning Objectives

--IDENTIFY the five major sections of the brain and their function

--DESCRIBE the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, including the origin of CSF in the ventricles, its path through the meninges, and reabsorption into the blood.

--EXPLAIN the blood-brain barrier and why it is important in physiology and drug development.

--DESCRIBE the general anatomy of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems

--EXPLAIN the function of norepinephrine and epinephrine (noradrenaline and adrenaline) in the sympathetic nervous system and how they interact with different adrenergic receptors to excite or inhibit different organs, capillaries and tissues.
--COMPARE and CONTRAST sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system functions.
--EXPLAIN the difference between cholinergic and adrenergic neurons and receptors.
--EXPLAIN the difference between nicotinic and muscarinic receptors.
--DESCRIBE and DIAGRAM how the binding of acetylcholine to muscarinic receptors in the parasympathetic nervous system excites or inhibits organs, capillaries and tissues.

 
In-class learning activities - session 1

--WRITE notes on brain development, function, and physiology
--PREDICT and DISCUSS brain damage case study
--PROBE the motor cortex at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/brain/#
--COMPARE and CONTRAST the somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
--WRITE notes on the anatomy and function of the autonomic nervous system.
--PARTICIPATE  in “family feud” game: brainstorming on the functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
--WRITE notes on the neurotransmitters and receptors in the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system

 
At-home
learning
activities

1. REVIEW the sympathetic nervous system at: http://faculty.alverno.edu/bowneps/snsreview/snsintro1.htm

2. ANSWER ANSWER questions 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17 on p. 577-578 in your textbook (14,17,18,19, & 20 on p. 583-4 in 8th edition)

3. WRITE complete answers to the following questions from your text. Backup your answers with logical arguments based on physiological concepts.

A.     After an automobile accident a patient is displaying a lack of coordination and balance but is able to remember familiar people and communicate normally. What part of the brain is most likely affected? Why?

B.     Bethanechol chloride is a drug that activates muscarinic receptors. Explain why this drug can be used to promote emptying of the bladder. Which of the following side effects would you predict: abdominal cramps, asthmatic attack, decreased tear production, decreased salivation, dilation of pupils, and/or excessive sweating.

C.     Epinephrine (adrenaline) is sometimes mixed with local anesthetic solutions before minor surgical procedures. What LOCAL effect of adrenaline is desirable? (Hint: it helps keep the anesthetic localized)

 
In-class
learning
activities
- session 2

--EXPLAIN G-protein mechanisms associated with muscarinic receptors. (groups)
--PRACTICE more case study questions pertaining to the brain and autonomic nervous system.
--SELF-ASSESS learning through “minute papers” reflecting on the major concepts learned and identifying weak points in understanding. Share and discuss results.

 
Reading/
Textbook Resources 		Chapter 13, p. 439-443, 451-456 (445-446, 456- 461 in 8th edition) (454-461 in 7th edition)
Chapter 14, p. 485-492 (491-498 in 8th edition)(489-496 in 7th edition)
Chapter 16, p. 557-558, 563-575 (564- 565, 569-581 in 8th edition) (561-563, 567-579 in 7th edition)
More Practice Problems: http://faculty.alverno.edu/bowneps/new%20indexes/bi231practicequestions.html