The Autonomic Nervous System can be challenging to understand because it is connected to virtually every body function in opposite ways. We are going to explore the physiology of the ANS in this discussion by looking at specific examples of how it works.

For your first discussion post, describe how the parasympathetic nervous system influences one function in your body. For example, the parasympathetic nervous system causes decreased blood pressure. If you chose this body function, you would describe the physiology behind the decreased blood pressure. How does it happen? What occurs in the heart/blood vessels? Which scenarios or external factors would cause the parasympathetic nervous system to activate this response?

For your reply post, discuss the sympathetic nervous system’s influence on the function your peer chose. For example, if your classmate discussed the parasympathetic influences the diameter of your pupil, you need to describe how the sympathetic nervous system affects the diameter of your pupil.

Your post and reply should each be at least one paragraph long (about 4-5 sentences minimum). Try to use a body function that is unique from other examples already posted by other students. There are hundreds of options!

Please make your initial post by midweek, and respond to at least one other student’s post by the end of the week. Please check the Course Calendar for specific due dates.

PART 1

It can be argued that short-term exposure to stress is adaptive and can increase positive performance. Long-term exposure to stress is considered maladaptive, yet common, in our society. Describe how stress can be adaptive and its effects on the brain  versus how stress can be maladaptive and its effects on the brain. Please support your answers using scholarly research addressing stress with regard to physiological functioning.

PART 2

 Provide one example of a learning disorder or a memory disorder that you would find in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5 (DSM5) ? Describe the specific disorder you have selected including presentation and symptoms. What are some methods or instruments that could be used to help a therapist determine this diagnosis? 

PART 3

Review this week’s course materials and learning activities, and reflect on your learning so far this week. Respond to one or more of the following prompts in one to two paragraphs:

1. Provide citation and reference to the material(s) you discuss. Describe what you found interesting regarding this topic, and why.
2. Describe how you will apply that learning in your daily life, including your work life.
3. Describe what may be unclear to you, and what you would like to learn.