The Sympathomedullary Pathway

The SNS

Neurones from the SNS travel to virtuall every organ and gland within the body, preparing the body for the rapid action necessary when an animal is under threat.

Responses include:

• Increased Heart Rate
• High Blood Pressure
• Increased Pupil Size
• Mobilisation of fat and glycogen in the bloodstream

Noradrenaline/Norepinephrine is the neurotransmitter released by the SNS to activate these internal body organs.

The SAM System

At the same time that the SNS is activated, the SAM system alert the animal through the release of adrenaline into the bloodstream, throughout the body to prepare the animal for fight or flight. The SAM system is regulated by the SNS and also the…