Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026

05:24
Surgical Lumbar Sympathectomy in Mice
Published on: July 5, 2024
Sympathetic actions on the skeletal muscle
Silvestro Roatta1, Dario Farina
1Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino Medical School, Italy. silvestro.roatta@unito.it
Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews
|December 18, 2009
Summary
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) influences skeletal muscle functions like metabolism and contractility, aiding intense activity. However, some SNS effects on muscles may hinder motor control and athletic performance.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Skeletal Muscle Biology
Background:
- The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) plays a crucial role in regulating physiological processes.
- Skeletal muscles are key effectors in the body's response to sympathetic stimulation.
- Understanding SNS-muscle interactions is vital for comprehending exercise physiology and performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted roles of the sympathetic nervous system in skeletal muscle function.
- To analyze how SNS modulation of metabolism, ion transport, and contractility impacts motor activity.
- To discuss the implications of SNS actions on skeletal muscles for motor control and athletic performance.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sympathetic nervous system and skeletal muscle physiology.
- Analysis of experimental data (if applicable, specify type).
- Discussion of physiological mechanisms involved in SNS-skeletal muscle crosstalk.
Main Results:
- SNS significantly modulates skeletal muscle metabolism, including glucose uptake and utilization.
- Sympathetic activity influences ionic transport across muscle cell membranes, affecting excitability.
- SNS impacts skeletal muscle contractility, potentially enhancing or impairing force generation.
Conclusions:
- SNS actions on skeletal muscles are complex, supporting intense motor activity but with potential drawbacks.
- Specific SNS pathways may have differential effects on muscle function, requiring further investigation.
- Understanding these nuanced effects is crucial for optimizing sport performance and motor control strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Sympathetic Activation
The sympathetic division can influence tissues and organs by releasing norepinephrine at peripheral synapses and distributing epinephrine and norepinephrine through the bloodstream. In times of crisis or stress, sympathetic activation occurs, which is regulated by sympathetic centers in the hypothalamus. As a result, sympathetic activation prepares the body for physical exertion, rapid ATP production, and heightened alertness, allowing individuals to respond effectively to challenging or...
Sympathetic Signaling
Sympathetic signaling, a vital part of the autonomic nervous system, plays a crucial role in mobilizing the body's resources in response to stress or emergencies. It involves the transmission of nerve impulses from sympathetic preganglionic fibers to postganglionic fibers. This results in the release of specific neurotransmitters and activation of adrenergic receptors.
Sympathetic preganglionic fibers release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) onto the ganglionic neurons in the...
Sympathetic preganglionic fibers release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) onto the ganglionic neurons in the...
The Sympathetic Nervous System
Overview
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx as...
Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Pharmacological Actions
Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers prevent the membrane depolarization of muscle cells and inhibit muscle contraction. These are usually administered with anesthetics to achieve complete muscle relaxation. Upon administration, these drugs first block the small, rapidly contracting muscles of the face and hands, followed by the larger muscles of the trunk and the intercostal muscles. The diaphragm is the last muscle to be affected.
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...
Relaxation of Skeletal Muscles
The period of muscle contraction primarily influences the duration of stimulation at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the presence of free calcium ions in the sarcoplasm, and the availability of energy or ATP to support contractions.
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open.
When an action potential reaches the axon terminal, it depolarizes the membrane and opens voltage-gated sodium channels. Sodium ions enter the cell, further depolarizing the presynaptic membrane. This depolarization causes voltage-gated calcium channels to open.

