AUTONOMICS OF THE HEAD AND NECK
Overview of the Autonomic Nervous System
Sympathetics of the Head and Neck
Parasympathetic Pathways of the Head and Neck
Overview of the Autonomic Nervous System
GENERAL INFORMATION
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) has control over the function of many organ systems and tissues
Provides innervation to:
• Glands
Also provides innervation to the organs of the immune system and metabolic organs (mainly through the sympathetics)
The hypothalamus exerts control over the ANS and helps the body maintain homeostasis
The ANS uses a 2-neuron chain system:
The ANS is divided into 2 parts:
• Parasympathetic–the portion responsible for preserving and restoring energy
• Sympathetic–the portion responsible for preparing the body for emergency situations
Organs typically receive dual innervation, which has an antagonistic action, although there are some notable exceptions, such as the arrector pili muscles (which are sympathetic only) and the male sexual re/>