The Autonomic Nervous System

This is an engaging lesson that looks at the structures and actions of the two parts of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and shows students where this particular system fits into the whole organisation of the nervous system.

The lesson begins by introducing the students to the idea that motor neurones are not simply somatic motor neurones but will actually be classified as autonomic motor neurones if they innervate the involuntary muscles. A range of tasks, progress checks and quick competitions are used during the lesson to engage the students in this topic and show them how it relates to other topics such as motor neurones and neurotransmitters. Key terminology is used throughout, such as ganglions, so that students can recognise and access the marks if an exam question on this topic arises.

This lesson has been written for A-level students