20 Questions
Where do the cell bodies of the second set of neurons in the autonomic motor system originate?
Ganglion
Where are the autonomic ganglia located?
In the head, neck, abdomen, and along the spinal cord
From which regions of the spinal cord do the preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division originate?
Thoracic and lumbar
Which neurotransmitters are released by autonomic neurons?
Mainly acetylcholine and norepinephrine
Where do many of the sympathetic neurons that exit the spinal cord below the diaphragm synapse?
Collateral ganglia
What is the function of divergence in the sympathetic nervous system?
To allow one preganglionic neuron to synapse on several postganglionic neurons at different levels
Where do the postganglionic neurons innervate organs of the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems?
Collateral ganglia
What is the embryological origin of the adrenal medulla?
A modified sympathetic ganglion innervated by postganglionic neurons
Which part of the adrenal glands secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine when stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system?
Inner medulla
Which part of the nervous system is also called the craniosacral division?
Parasympathetic division
Which division of the autonomic nervous system has preganglionic neurons that come from the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord?
Sympathetic Division
What type of neurons release only acetylcholine, which is always excitatory?
Preganglionic neurons
Where are autonomic ganglia located?
In chains along either side of the spinal cord
What neurotransmitters are mainly released by autonomic neurons?
Acetylcholine and epinephrine
What is the function of convergence in the sympathetic nervous system?
Multiple preganglionic neurons synapse on one postganglionic neuron at different levels
Where do many sympathetic neurons that exit the spinal cord below the diaphragm synapse?
Splanchnic nerves
What is the embryological origin of the adrenal medulla?
Modified sympathetic ganglion
Where are the postganglionic neurons that innervate organs of the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems located?
Collateral ganglia
Which part of the nervous system is also called the craniosacral division?
Parasympathetic division
What neurotransmitters are released by the adrenal medulla when stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system?
Epinephrine and norepinephrine
Study Notes
Autonomic Motor System
- Cell bodies of the second set of neurons in the autonomic motor system originate from autonomic ganglia.
- Autonomic ganglia are located outside the central nervous system, near the spinal cord.
Sympathetic Division
- Preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division originate from the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord.
- Many sympathetic neurons that exit the spinal cord below the diaphragm synapse in the inferior mesenteric ganglion or the pelvic ganglia.
- The function of divergence in the sympathetic nervous system is to allow a single preganglionic neuron to synapse with multiple postganglionic neurons.
- Postganglionic neurons innervate organs of the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems in the pelvic cavity and abdominopelvic region.
Neurotransmitters
- Autonomic neurons release acetylcholine and norepinephrine.
- Postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division release norepinephrine, which is often excitatory.
- Preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division release acetylcholine, which is always excitatory.
Adrenal Medulla
- The embryological origin of the adrenal medulla is from the neural crest.
- The adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine when stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system.
Parasympathetic Division
- The parasympathetic division is also called the craniosacral division.
- Preganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic division originate from the brainstem and sacral regions of the spinal cord.
Convergence
- The function of convergence in the sympathetic nervous system is to allow multiple preganglionic neurons to synapse with a single postganglionic neuron.
Test your knowledge about the two sets of neurons in the autonomic motor system of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This quiz covers the anatomy and function of preganglionic and postganglionic neurons, including their origin and synapses.
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