The Autonomic Nervous System
The Autonomic Nervous System gives an introduction to how nervous systems are organised within the human body, paying particular attention to how the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) relates to other nervous systems and the role it plays in regulating human activity.
The program considers the operation of the nerves within the nervous system, providing general information on the structure and function of nerves, including the role of neurotransmitters and receptors.
The program includes an interactive, anatomical ‘Guide Map’ which allows users to see how the ANS operates in specific parts of the body.
Curriculum Usage
The Autonomic Nervous System is is currently used in semester 2 of the medical curriculum.
Project Screen Grabs
Click on the thumbnail to view a larger image.
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A screen grab of the interactive, anatomical ‘Guide Map’. | |
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A screen showing how the ANS is involved in the innervation of the airways. The parasympathetic neurons in local ganglia are being highlighted by the user. |
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An interactive task that allows students to observe the activity of different parts of the peripheral nervous system under different conditions. |
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An interactive diagram that shows how the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the ANS innervate the heart. |
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A screen grab explaining types of chemical transmission in the ANS. |
Example Interactivity
A small example of the interactive tasks included in The Autonomic Nervous System (requires Shockwave Player). [1MB]
Credits
Developed by the Biomedical Multimedia Unit in association with the Department of Pharmacology and the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Melbourne