Part 1a: Imagine you are being chased through the woods by a hungry bear. Which nervous system would engage? (parasympathetic or sympathetic) Why is this?
Someone being chased through the woods by a hungry bear will have his or her sympathetic nervous system being engaged in the flight. This second type of autonomic nervous system tagged sympathetic will be responsible for the control of many homeostatic mechanisms that will help the person to flit away from the hungry bear. The mechanism is that of the sympatho-adrenal response of the body. The interconnected neurons of the SNS are connected to several organs of the body which enables several organs to be controlled during this period of flight response. In response to the flight, the organs connected react differently. There is pupil dilation of the eye, increased sweating of the skin, an increase in the heart rate, dilation of the bronchioles that will enable more intake of oxygen, the only effect sympathetic nervous system usually have on skeletal muscles is to increase the flow of blood to those muscles (ScienceDaily, 2013). Neurotransmitter family activated by the SNS is the cathecolamines.
Part 1b: Imagine that you are home with the flu. Which nervous system would engage? Why is this?
The parasympathetic nervous system is the second type of autonomic nervous system. It works in a form of opposite direction when compared to the sympathetic system. In case of flu in the house, the parasympathetic nervous system will take over simply because PNS usually promote passive coping strategies. It will work by decreasing the heart rate, has no effect on the eyes, increase the flow towards the muscle and reduce the respiratory rate (Veronique, 2013). Parasympathetic will help maintain the homeostasis and balance. Some of the ways this is achieved relates to the increasing resistance to infection, circulation to nonvital organs such as skin, increase endorphins, an increase insulin activity which help with storage of energy. It also contributes to the decrease of heart rate, blood pressure and temperature. The major neurotransmitter is Acetylcholine.
Part 2: Jack is a 78 year old man. While most of the time Jack is able to live by himself, he does often forget where he put his car keys or what time his next doctor’s appointment it.
Would you classify Jack as an Alzheimer’s patient? Why or why not? What type of treatment or assistance would you recommend for Jack?
Jack is said to often 'live by himself'. This is a very strong point or determinant in making a decision as regards to the type of treatment Jack (a 78 year old man) needs. Considering the issue of memory loss highlighted which is that of forgetting where he places his car keys and next doctor's appointment, we can conclude that the issues are not that relating to that of the Alzheimer's patient. This is simply because in the case of Alzheimer's disease or any memory relating conditions in the elderly, there are certain important features we actually need to look out for.
These include; once the patient start having episodes of memory loss more often, the family members are now more concern about what they have been noticing regarding the memory losses, the patient is now being told that he tends to repeat questions often, friends often complain about what they have also noticed concerning the memory loss and they are now somewhat concerned about the losses (Betrinac, 2012). Someone with this noticeable features will definitely have work impairment, issues with the social interactions and relationships. The case of Jack is not similar to this issue considering the information provided. At this level of normal age-related forgetfulness affecting Jack, he could be managed by engaging in; regular exercise, relating more with people (avoid loneliness and staying social), watching what to eat, plenty of sleep, avoid smoking and manage stress properly.
References
Betrinac, (2012).Signs and causes of memory loss. Memory loss.
Retrieved 14 November, 2013 from http://www.betrinac.com/pages/memory-loss-and-homocysteine
ScienceDaily, (2013). Sympathetic Nervous System. Science Reference.
Retrieved 14 November, 2013 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/s/sympathetic_nervous_system.htm
ScienceDaily, (2013). Parasympathetic Nervous System. Science Reference.
Retrieved 14 November, 2013 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/p/parasympathetic_nervous_system.htm
Veronique mead (2013). The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS).
Retrieved 14 November, 2013 from http://www.veroniquemead.com/pns.php
