SBI4U
THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM WORKSHEET:
INDEPENDENT READING
Read the section “Homeostasis and the Autonomic Nervous System” on page 435 and answer the following questions.
1. Using the following terms, sketch a concept map that outlines the relationships between the following terms: nervous
system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, brain, spinal cord, somatic nerves, autonomic nerves,
sensory nerves, motor nerves, sympathetic nerves, parasympathetic nerves. Underneath each term, BRIEFLY describe
the function of each.
2. The autonomic nervous system is part of the __________________ nervous system. All autonomic nerves are
___________________ nerves that regulate the organs of the body without _______________ control.
3. During emergency, autonomic nervous system diverts blood flow from the ________________ organs to the
_________________________ muscles, _________________ heart rate and breathing rates, and increases
_______________________ field by causing the pupils of the eyes to _________________.
4. Define and differentiate between the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
5. Compare the structure and function of autonomic and somatic nerves (include information about the
neurotransmitter).
6. The sympathetic nerves come from the _______________________________ and ___________________________.
The parasympathetic nerves exit directly from the _________________ or from either the ____________________ or
_____________________ sections of the spinal cord.
7. Nerves that exit directly from the brain are called _____________________ nerves. Give an example.
8. Differentiate between the effects of the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system on the following organs:
heart, digestive, liver, eyes, bladder, skin, adrenal gland.
9. Two well-known groups of natural painkillers are called _____________________ and
__________________________, which are manufactured by the __________________________. Describe how pain is
interpreted and how these natural painkillers help to reduce the sensation of pain.
10. Describe what opiates are. How do they work? Based on the information you have read, how could a person
become addicted to a narcotic such as morphine?
11. Draw a diagram that shows how a drug such as Valium or Librium might work.