An increase in sympathetic nervous system stimulation causes the heart rate to increase, both by the direct action of sympathetic nerve fibers on the heart, and by causing the endocrine system to release hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline) which have a similar effect. Increased sympathetic stimulation is usually due to physical or psychological stress (the so-called "fight or flight" response), but can also be induced by stimulants such as amphetamines. Endocrine disorders such as pheochromocytoma can cause epinephr ...

See also:

Tachycardia, Tachycardia - Autonomic and endocrine causes, Tachycardia - Hemodynamic responses, Tachycardia - Tachycardic arrhythmias

Read more here: » Tachycardia: Encyclopedia II - Tachycardia - Autonomic and endocrine causes

List of regions in the human brain - Neuronal systems. central nervous system peripheral nervous system somatic nervous system autonomic nervous system sympathetic nervous system parasympathetic nervous system enteric nervous system submucosal plexus myenteric plexus senses and sensory systems olfactory system pr ...

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List of regions in the human brain, List of regions in the human brain - Brain neural tube, List of regions in the human brain - Rhombencephalon hindbrain, List of regions in the human brain - Mesencephalon midbrain, List of regions in the human brain - Prosencephalon forebrain, List of regions in the human brain - Neural pathways, List of regions in the human brain - Cerebrospinal systems, List of regions in the human brain - Neuronal systems, List of regions in the human brain - Neurocrine systems, List of regions in the human brain - Vascular systems, List of regions in the human brain - Dural meningeal system, List of regions in the human brain - Organization, List of regions in the human brain - Related topic

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While some neurotransmitters (glutamate, GABA, glycine) are used very generally throughout the central nervous system, others can have more specific effects, such as on the Autonomic nervous system, by both pathways in the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system, and others are used only in certain brain regions by particular classes of nerve cells. Serotonin is released specifically by cells in the brainstem, in an area called the raphe nuclei. Dopamine classically modulates two systems ...

See also:

Neurotransmitter, Neurotransmitter - Types of neurotransmitters, Neurotransmitter - Mechanism of action, Neurotransmitter - Post-synaptic effect, Neurotransmitter - Specific actions, Neurotransmitter - Common neurotransmitters, Neurotransmitter - Amino acids, Neurotransmitter - Biogenic amines, Neurotransmitter - Monoamines, Neurotransmitter - Polypeptides neuropeptides

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Nadi: A channel in the subtle body through which prana and kundalini flow. The channels loosely correspond to the central, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Nadi also refers to the normal veins and arteries of the physical body.

(See also: Nadi, Yoga, Yoga Dictionary)

The signs and symptoms of a pheochromocytoma are those of sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity: elevated heart rate elevated blood pressure anxiety often resembling that of a panic attack diaphoresis headaches A pheochromocytoma can be deadly because of the severe blood pressure elevation it produces. ...

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Pheochromocytoma, Pheochromocytoma - Inheritance, Pheochromocytoma - Features, Pheochromocytoma - Diagnosis, Pheochromocytoma - Differential diagnosis, Pheochromocytoma - Treatment

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The signs and symptoms of a pheochromocytoma are those of sympathetic nervous system hyperactivity: elevated heart rate elevated blood pressure palpitations anxiety often resembling that of a panic attack diaphoresis headaches A pheochromocytoma can also cause resistant arterial hypertension. A pheochromocytoma can be fatal if it causes malignant h ...

See also:

Pheochromocytoma, Pheochromocytoma - Inheritance, Pheochromocytoma - Features, Pheochromocytoma - Diagnosis, Pheochromocytoma - Differential diagnosis, Pheochromocytoma - Treatment

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Patients whose heart rate is largely mediated by the sympathetic nervous system (e.g. patients with congestive heart failure or myocardial infarct) should avoid nadolol as it inhibits sympathetic function. Nadolol is also contraindicated in patients with bradycardia (slow heart rate) because of its vasodilatory effects and tendency to cause bradycardia. Because of its beta-2 activity, nadolol causes pulmonary vasoconstriction and should be avoided in asthma patients in prefe ...

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Nadolol, Nadolol - Chemistry and pharmacokinetics, Nadolol - Mechanism of action, Nadolol - Indications, Nadolol - Contraindications, Nadolol - Side effects

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solar plexus chakra The third chakra, located just above the navel, is the center of intuition, emotion and power. This chakra influences the adrenal glands profoundly affecting the sympathetic nervous system, muscular energy, circulation, heartbeat, digestion, and mood. Excessive use and over-abuse of adrenaline due to constant stress produces various physical and psychological symptoms including ulcers, nervous disorders and chronic fatigue. The symbolic form of this center is a circle and its color is yellow.

(See also: Solar plexus chakra, Body Mind and Soul)

ETS surgery works by destroying healthy nerve tissue in the upper thoracic region of the sympathetic nervous system, thus interrupting brain messages that ordinarily would travel to many different organs, glands and muscles. It is via these nerves of the autonomic nervous system that the brain is able to make adjustments in the body in response to changing conditions in the environment, changing emotional states, level of exercise, and other factors. The surgeon penetrates the chest cavity, making holes about the diameter of a soda straw between ribs. This allows the surgeon to insert a tiny ...

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Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy - History, Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy - Overview, Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy - Results, Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy - Risks and controversy

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Pingala-nadi:

Pingala-nadi ("reddish conduit"): the prana current or arc ascending on the right side of the central channel (sushumna-nadi) and associated with the sympathetic nervous system and having an energizing effect on the mind when activated; cf. ida-nadi

(See also: Pingala-nadi, Yoga, Yoga Dictionary)

Vasovagal syncope is due to a disorder of autonomic control of the cardiovascular system. It commonly occurs in normal people of all ages. Precipitating factors include alcohol consumption, fatigue, pain, hunger, and prolonged standing. It can also be triggered by situations causing anxiety, such as having blood drawn, as well as by hot or crowded situations. The initial responses appear to be venous pooling and increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system. This causes the heart to contract forcefully while relatively empty, t ...

See also:

Vasovagal syncope, Vasovagal syncope - Features, Vasovagal syncope - Diagnosis, Vasovagal syncope - Pathophysiology, Vasovagal syncope - Treatment

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Glucagon - Stimulus for increased secretion of glucagon. decreased plasma glucose increased catecholamines increased plasma amino acids (to protect from hypoglycemia if an all protein meal consumed) sympathetic nervous system Glucagon - Stimulus for decreased secretion of glucagon. somatostatin Insulin ...

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Glucagon, Glucagon - History, Glucagon - Physiology, Glucagon - Regulation, Glucagon - Stimulus for increased secretion of glucagon, Glucagon - Stimulus for decreased secretion of glucagon, Glucagon - Function, Glucagon - Mechanism of action, Glucagon - Pathology, Glucagon - Pharmacological application of glucagon, Glucagon - Media

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Diaphoresis may be associated with some abnormal conditions, such as hyperthyroidism and shock. If it is accompanied by unexplained weight loss or fever or by palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, a physician should be consulted. Diabetics relying on insulin shots or oral medications may have low blood sugar, which can also cause diaphoresis. Various drugs (including caffeine, morphine, alcohol, and certain antipsychotics) may be causes, as well as withdrawal from alcohol or narcotic painkiller dependencies. Sympathetic nervous system stimulants such as cocaine and amphe ...

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Diaphoresis, Diaphoresis - Physiological normal causes, Diaphoresis - Pathological causes, Diaphoresis - Treatment of symptoms

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The pupil provides the neatest and most visible example of the neural feedback control in the body. This is subserved by a balance between the antagonistic sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. Informal pharmacological experiments have been performed on the pupil for centuries, since the pupil is readily visible, and its size can be readily altered by drugs, even crude plant extracts, applied to the cornea. Pharmacological control over pupil size continues to be an important part of the treatment of some ocular diseases - see pupil, uveit ...

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Uvea, Uvea - Anatomy, Uvea - Regions, Uvea - Histology, Uvea - External and internal relations, Uvea - Physiology, Uvea - Pharmacology, Uvea - Immunology, Uvea - Pathology

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Composed mainly of hormone-producing chromaffin cells, the adrenal medulla is the principal site of the conversion of the amino acid tyrosine into the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine (also called adrenaline and noradrenaline, respectively). Medullary cells are derived from the embryonic neural crest and, as such, are simply modified neurons. In particular, they are modified postganglionic cells of the sympathetic nervous system that have lost their axons and dendrites, receiving innervation from corresponding preganglionic fibe ...

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Adrenal gland, Adrenal gland - Overview, Adrenal gland - Adrenal medulla, Adrenal gland - Adrenal cortex, Adrenal gland - Zona glomerulosa, Adrenal gland - Zona fasciculata, Adrenal gland - Zona reticularis, Adrenal gland - Pathology, Adrenal gland - Blood supply, Adrenal gland - Related topics

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MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE

The strokes applied in manual lymph drainage are intended to stimulate the movement of the lymphatic fluids in order to assist the body in cleansing. This is a gentle, rhythmical technique that cleanses the connective tissue of inflammatory materials and toxins, enhances the activity of the immune system, reduces pain, and lowers the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. The most widely taught and generally accepted form of this technique was created by Dr. Vodder of Austria and requires advanced training and precise movements.

(See also: MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE, Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

Ida (-nadi) (Sanskrit) (from ida refreshment + nadi tubular vessel)

One of the three channels forming the spinal column of the body, which are the main avenues for not only the psychovital economy of the body, but likewise for spiritual and intellectual currents between the head and the body proper. In occultism the spinal column plays many physiological roles, but is especially threefold in its functions.

The central channel is called the sushumna-nadi, with a channel on either side: the pingala-nadi on the right, and the ida-nadi on the left, although sometimes these positions are given as reversed. All the chakras are connected with the spinal column and the nadis "by the nervous and sympathetic systems as well as by the blood vessels.

In occultism the spinal column is not only an organ, but it is actually threefold in its functions, being the foundation of the pranic vitality of the body, driven by the kama of pingala and more or less controlled by the higher manasic or directing attributes of ida" (FSO 462).

(See also: Ida, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Plexus (Latin) A network, used anatomically for certain networks of nerves or blood vessels. The nerve plexuses forming part of the sympathetic nervous system are closely related functionally to the viscera, and serve as coordinating centers for the various nerve tissues which regulate their muscular and organic action. They are intimately related to mental and emotional states, to such an extent that the chief of them, the solar plexus, has been called the abdominal brain.

The word has been used in theosophy to translate the Sanskrit chakra (wheel, nerve ganglion), but these chakras are better defined as forming centers in the vital-astral constitution of the organism. They are centers or foci of pranic energy, having special qualities which may be correlated to other groupings, such as the seven principles, the seven rays, etc. The seven chakras are: sacral, prostatic, epigastric (solar), cardiac, laryngeal, frontal, and cavernous.

Any attempt by an untrained student, without a teacher, to try to develop these chakras is sure to cause disaster, since it can result only in the arousing of powerful forces which he has not yet acquired the means to control, and which will therefore control him. Once awakened, they cannot be put to sleep again, and the result will be disorganization, physical or mental or both, manifested in disease, insanity, depravity, or death; in the worst cases, the unfortunate dabbler may set his feet on a path of black magic ending in the final separation of his spiritual ego from its hapless psycho-vital-astral-physical vehicle.

The spiritual and higher intellectual powers and faculties must be cultivated first; and this cannot be done by any attempt at artificial stimulation based on fixing the attention on spots in the body or head. The only safe way to practice the chela life is to forget about the body and its mechanism, thus allowing evolution to proceed in its natural course, and dangerous forces to life quiescent until they come naturally and harmoniously into operation.

(See also: Plexus, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Pituitary Gland or Hypophysis Cerebri A small, bi-lobed, ductless gland, resting on the bony floor of the brain just above the palate. Its familiar name came from the mistaken notion that it secreted pituita (phlem) which was discharged through the nose. The technical term describes it as the "growth underneath" the brain with which it is connected. It is also closely related to the optic and other sensory nerves, as well as to the general coordinating centers of mental and physical sense and sensation in the region of the third ventricle, including the pineal gland.

Modern physicians have called the pituitary the driver gland, because of its active influence upon the growth and function of different parts of the body. Theosophy holds that the pituitary body is the seat of the organ of will; likewise, as an organ that functions through the sympathetic nervous system upon various levels of the psychic plane, it is one of the links that connect the intermediate nature of man with both his spiritual mind and his instinctual, animal mind. Thus it serves as manifesting point where the cosmic force of will, flowing through the spiritual center of man's being, works as a physical energy. As the bodily organ of will, it acts as a vital transformer, stepping down the high power, electromagnetic currents of universal will and desire, thus providing a series of special currents of growth which are diffused through the thyroid and other ductless glands. These currents, acting as automatic or vegetative will power, first affect the linga-sarira (model-body), and through it stimulate the physical body.

The pituitary, as a transformer, may also step up these diffused currents of physical and animal will and desire, raising them into the aspiring mental-spiritual will and desire, as when the high adepts concentrates his whole consciousness upon attaining spiritual vision and knowledge. When the focused power of the active pituitary is directed to the higher psychic levels, its influence, through radiated wave-energy, reaches the pineal gland which responds with spiritual clairvoyance. If, however, the increased activity is upon the lower astral levels, the effects are distorted and misleading. The pituitary being closely connected with the optic and other sensory nerves, and with the important nerve centers, its enlargement or uncontrolled, abnormal activity often give rise to strange hallucinations of vision, hearing, etc. This explains the bizarre sights, sounds, odors, or what not, which are so real to the sufferers from brain fever, delirium tremens, insanity, epilepsy, and some other disorders.

However, no one of the organs of a human being can function alone and apart from coordinated activity with the other parts of the human constitution; thus it is that while the pituitary body can stimulate or arouse to increased activity the pineal gland, nevertheless the pineal gland in its turn can act strongly upon the pituitary body; and as the pineal gland is the physical seat of the spiritual and higher intellectual faculties of the human constitution descending to the physical brain through the linga-sarira, when the pineal gland thus influences by radiated wave-energy the pituitary, the latter is awakened and begins to vibrate, strongly influencing the physical brain with will-currents guided by the spiritual and higher intellectual inspiration from the pineal.

(See also: Pituitary Gland, Hypophysis Cerebri, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Anesthesia (from Greek anaisthesia no feeling)

Want of feeling; a condition of total or partial insensibility, particularly to touch. The many classical references to anesthetics indicate that the ancients knew much about the subject that has not been rediscovered. Blavatsky refers to the sacred beverage used by the hierophants in ceremonies to free the astral soul from the bonds of matter, so that the inner man might rise to the level of spirit (IU 2:117, 1:540).

Surgical patients suffering from fright and fear before or during the induction of an anesthetic take it with more difficulty, and feel more aftereffects, than those who meet it without anxiety. The first stage of general anesthesia, usually not unpleasant, ends with the loss of physical consciousness. Then begins the second, or stage of struggling more or less vigorously, evidently due to the automatic reaction of the physical body, from which its conscious astral soul is being dissociated. In the third stage, the muscles relax and the disturbed heart and lungs settle down to regular rhythm, controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, as in a deep, dreamless sleep. The self-conscious ego, thus withdrawing from its ordinary state of being, enters more or less deeply into the subjective realm of its inner life. It is in a state of what has been called, paradoxically, conscious unconsciousness. The danger here is that the soul may become so far separated from its body that it does not come back again, and then death results.

However insensible the person is of externals, he is conscious in some part of his composite nature, just as each principle of his being has its own range of awareness after death. Some people have brought back a more or less clear memory of a state of being transcending anything they had ever imagined on earth. Their first feeling is one of a delicious peace and liberation; then comes a mental clearness with majestic visions of perfect truth, and a realization of a self-existent "I" as a part of a universal whole. The spiritually-minded person may attain to an instant and complete buddhi-manasic vision of "things as they are." Such a one, at the moment of recovery, is often vividly sensible of being aroused from a state of superior existence, but is unable to recall what it was. Again, any gleams of knowledge that do survive the transit may be misinterpreted by the brain-mind from its preconceived philosophical or religious ideas. The average person, however, brings back little if any remembrance of his experience.

The anesthetized person may also be conscious of standing aside or looking down upon his own body under operation, and retains a vague memory of the out-of-body experience.

See also SOMA

(See also: Anesthesia, Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

The nervous systems of vertebrate animals are often divided into a central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. The PNS consists of all other nerves and neurons that do not lie within the CNS. The large majority of what are commonly called nerves (which are actually axonal processes of nerve cells) are considered to be PNS. The peripheral nervous system is divided into ...

See also:

Nervous system, Nervous system - Vertebrate nervous systems, Nervous system - Metabolism of the nervous system

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