This CD-ROM provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of the anatomy of the ANS. It demonstrates the effects on organ function and describes the pharmacology of drugs that interact with autonomic neural function. The program allows students to approach the subject from three directions relating to the key areas of anatomy, neurotransmitter (drawing largely on pharmacology and biochemistry) and organ system (physiology and pharmacology).

Anatomy covers the division of the ANS into sympathetic, parasympathetic and enteric systems.

The neurotransmitters (acetylcholine, catecholamines, opioids) allow a different point of access and link to the other sections to allow students to see where the transmitters occur and what effects they have.

The third section, organ systems, demonstrates the actions of the different divisions of the ANS at a tissue level. Organs are grouped by systems (initially restricted to cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and eye) consistent with an integrated systems based curricula (medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy) but also relates well to areas of specialisation in other courses (eg optometry).

By using a search engine, students are able to access material in order to obtain both general overviews and specific interactions between anatomy, neurotransmitter and organs within the ANS. The multiple options for access make the program flexible so that students at different stages of the course can select to use those components of the program that complement their current learning objectives.

Authors: Owen Woodman, James Ziogas, Colin Anderson, Gregor Kennedy.

System Requirements: Macintosh: Mac: OS system 8.6 or greater. Powermac, G3 or better. Total RAM 64 or greater. Millions of colours. 800 x 600 minimum display. Windows: Windows 95/98/ME/2000/NT/XP. 24 bit colour and 32Mb of RAM. 800 x 600 minimum display. Quicktime 4.

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