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Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason gray rami appear gray in color?
What is the primary reason gray rami appear gray in color?
- They consist mostly of unmyelinated axons. (correct)
- They contain myelinated axons.
- They originate from the spinal cord.
- They are associated with sensory neurons.
Where are preganglionic sympathetic neurons primarily located?
Where are preganglionic sympathetic neurons primarily located?
- In the cervical spinal segments.
- In the cranial and sacral spinal segments.
- In the thoracic and upper lumbar spinal segments. (correct)
- Throughout the entire spinal cord.
How do postganglionic sympathetic axons primarily reach their target organs?
How do postganglionic sympathetic axons primarily reach their target organs?
- By synapsing in sympathetic terminal ganglia.
- By traveling through cranial nerves only.
- By direct connection to the target organs.
- By following the pathways of blood vessels or within other nerves. (correct)
What is a characteristic feature of postganglionic sympathetic axons?
What is a characteristic feature of postganglionic sympathetic axons?
What technique has helped clarify the central pathways for autonomic control?
What technique has helped clarify the central pathways for autonomic control?
What is the spinal cord segment range from which sympathetic preganglionic neurons originate?
What is the spinal cord segment range from which sympathetic preganglionic neurons originate?
Where are the cell bodies of preganglionic sympathetic motor neurons located?
Where are the cell bodies of preganglionic sympathetic motor neurons located?
Through which structure do the axons of preganglionic sympathetic neurons exit the spinal cord?
Through which structure do the axons of preganglionic sympathetic neurons exit the spinal cord?
What is the primary reason the rami communicantes are referred to as 'white'?
What is the primary reason the rami communicantes are referred to as 'white'?
Which type of ganglia are located adjacent to the vertebral column?
Which type of ganglia are located adjacent to the vertebral column?
Which ganglion arises from the fusion of C1 to C4?
Which ganglion arises from the fusion of C1 to C4?
What characterizes the chain of sympathetic ganglia in relation to the spinal cord?
What characterizes the chain of sympathetic ganglia in relation to the spinal cord?
What type of neurons enter the sympathetic paravertebral ganglion from the spinal nerves?
What type of neurons enter the sympathetic paravertebral ganglion from the spinal nerves?
Which of the following describes the position of sympathetic ganglia in relation to spinal roots?
Which of the following describes the position of sympathetic ganglia in relation to spinal roots?
What type of axons do the white rami communicantes mainly contain?
What type of axons do the white rami communicantes mainly contain?
What forms the stellate ganglion?
What forms the stellate ganglion?
Which ganglia are primarily responsible for innervating the heart, lungs, and bronchi?
Which ganglia are primarily responsible for innervating the heart, lungs, and bronchi?
Which of the following describes a fate of a preganglionic sympathetic axon after entering a paravertebral ganglion?
Which of the following describes a fate of a preganglionic sympathetic axon after entering a paravertebral ganglion?
What is the role of the prevertebral plexus?
What is the role of the prevertebral plexus?
How many postganglionic sympathetic neurons can a single preganglionic neuron typically synapse with?
How many postganglionic sympathetic neurons can a single preganglionic neuron typically synapse with?
Where do postganglionic sympathetic neurons send their axons?
Where do postganglionic sympathetic neurons send their axons?
Which ganglia are named according to the adjacent arteries?
Which ganglia are named according to the adjacent arteries?
What distinguishes the prevertebral ganglia from paravertebral ganglia?
What distinguishes the prevertebral ganglia from paravertebral ganglia?
What is the characteristic function of gray rami communicantes?
What is the characteristic function of gray rami communicantes?
What defines the structure of the prevertebral plexus?
What defines the structure of the prevertebral plexus?
Which physiological change occurs during REM sleep to prevent physical actions while dreaming?
Which physiological change occurs during REM sleep to prevent physical actions while dreaming?
What role does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) play during both wakefulness and sleep?
What role does the autonomic nervous system (ANS) play during both wakefulness and sleep?
Which of the following divisions is NOT part of the autonomic nervous system?
Which of the following divisions is NOT part of the autonomic nervous system?
In which way is the autonomic nervous system (ANS) regarded as a model system for studying neuronal function?
In which way is the autonomic nervous system (ANS) regarded as a model system for studying neuronal function?
What characterizes the control of visceral sensory input while awake?
What characterizes the control of visceral sensory input while awake?
How does the nervous system dissociate sensory input from motor output during sleep?
How does the nervous system dissociate sensory input from motor output during sleep?
Which of the following best describes the nature of autonomic control compared to conscious brain function?
Which of the following best describes the nature of autonomic control compared to conscious brain function?
What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?
What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?
Which neurons are specifically included in the definition of the autonomic nervous system?
Which neurons are specifically included in the definition of the autonomic nervous system?
How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions typically function in relation to each other?
How do the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions typically function in relation to each other?
What initiates the output of the sympathetic division?
What initiates the output of the sympathetic division?
What defines the enteric division of the autonomic nervous system?
What defines the enteric division of the autonomic nervous system?
Where are the cell bodies of preganglionic neurons located?
Where are the cell bodies of preganglionic neurons located?
What occurs when parasympathetic output increases?
What occurs when parasympathetic output increases?
Which components are primarily part of the visceral control system?
Which components are primarily part of the visceral control system?
What type of neurotransmission occurs between the preganglionic and postganglionic neurons?
What type of neurotransmission occurs between the preganglionic and postganglionic neurons?
At which spinal levels are white rami located?
At which spinal levels are white rami located?
Postganglionic sympathetic axons are generally short because they lie close to their target organs.
Postganglionic sympathetic axons are generally short because they lie close to their target organs.
What is the primary function of the sympathetic ganglia?
What is the primary function of the sympathetic ganglia?
The technique developed by Arthur Loewy to trace nerve tracts is known as the __________ virus technique.
The technique developed by Arthur Loewy to trace nerve tracts is known as the __________ virus technique.
Match the following structures with their primary characteristics:
Match the following structures with their primary characteristics:
What is the primary purpose of the mechanisms activated during sleep?
What is the primary purpose of the mechanisms activated during sleep?
The autonomic nervous system is not essential for keeping the body functioning during sleep.
The autonomic nervous system is not essential for keeping the body functioning during sleep.
Name the three divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
Name the three divisions of the autonomic nervous system.
During REM sleep, there is nearly complete paralysis of the skeletal muscles to prevent __________.
During REM sleep, there is nearly complete paralysis of the skeletal muscles to prevent __________.
Match the following components of the autonomic nervous system with their primary functions:
Match the following components of the autonomic nervous system with their primary functions:
Which of the following statements best describes autonomic control compared to conscious brain function?
Which of the following statements best describes autonomic control compared to conscious brain function?
When we are awake, we are aware of all visceral sensory inputs and actively respond to them.
When we are awake, we are aware of all visceral sensory inputs and actively respond to them.
What role does the autonomic nervous system play in managing bodily functions during sleep?
What role does the autonomic nervous system play in managing bodily functions during sleep?
Which spinal segments are involved in the origination of sympathetic preganglionic neurons?
Which spinal segments are involved in the origination of sympathetic preganglionic neurons?
The superior cervical ganglion is responsible for supplying the lower limbs.
The superior cervical ganglion is responsible for supplying the lower limbs.
What are the two types of ganglia in the sympathetic nervous system?
What are the two types of ganglia in the sympathetic nervous system?
The axons of preganglionic sympathetic neurons exit the spinal cord through the _______.
The axons of preganglionic sympathetic neurons exit the spinal cord through the _______.
Match the following sympathetic ganglia with their functions:
Match the following sympathetic ganglia with their functions:
Which structure carries preganglionic sympathetic axons to the ganglia?
Which structure carries preganglionic sympathetic axons to the ganglia?
The sympathetic chain of ganglia extends from the upper neck to the coccyx.
The sympathetic chain of ganglia extends from the upper neck to the coccyx.
Sympathetic preganglionic neurons primarily synapse with ______ neurons.
Sympathetic preganglionic neurons primarily synapse with ______ neurons.
What is the anatomical location of the intermediolateral cell column?
What is the anatomical location of the intermediolateral cell column?
What is the color of the rami that contain mostly myelinated preganglionic sympathetic axons?
What is the color of the rami that contain mostly myelinated preganglionic sympathetic axons?
Which ganglion is formed by the fusion of the inferior cervical ganglion and the first thoracic ganglion?
Which ganglion is formed by the fusion of the inferior cervical ganglion and the first thoracic ganglion?
The prevertebral plexus is located behind the aorta.
The prevertebral plexus is located behind the aorta.
What is the estimated number of postganglionic neurons a single preganglionic sympathetic neuron can branch and synapse with?
What is the estimated number of postganglionic neurons a single preganglionic sympathetic neuron can branch and synapse with?
The major prevertebral ganglia include the celiac, superior mesenteric, and ______ mesenteric ganglia.
The major prevertebral ganglia include the celiac, superior mesenteric, and ______ mesenteric ganglia.
Match the following ganglia with their respective locations:
Match the following ganglia with their respective locations:
After entering a paravertebral ganglion, what can happen to a preganglionic sympathetic axon?
After entering a paravertebral ganglion, what can happen to a preganglionic sympathetic axon?
The cell bodies of postganglionic sympathetic neurons send their axons through gray rami communicantes to reach target organs.
The cell bodies of postganglionic sympathetic neurons send their axons through gray rami communicantes to reach target organs.
What structure is formed by interconnected fiber groups alongside the major arteries?
What structure is formed by interconnected fiber groups alongside the major arteries?
Preganglionic sympathetic fibers synapse on many ______ sympathetic neurons.
Preganglionic sympathetic fibers synapse on many ______ sympathetic neurons.
Which of the following structures does NOT supply organs in a segmental fashion?
Which of the following structures does NOT supply organs in a segmental fashion?
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily involved in the body's 'rest and digest' functions?
Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily involved in the body's 'rest and digest' functions?
The enteric division of the ANS operates entirely independent of the central nervous system.
The enteric division of the ANS operates entirely independent of the central nervous system.
What are the two major efferent pathways of the ANS?
What are the two major efferent pathways of the ANS?
The sympathetic division activates during conditions of _______ and excitement.
The sympathetic division activates during conditions of _______ and excitement.
Match the following components of the autonomic nervous system with their functions:
Match the following components of the autonomic nervous system with their functions:
What type of neurons are described as preganglionic in the autonomic pathway?
What type of neurons are described as preganglionic in the autonomic pathway?
The autonomic nervous system only includes efferent neurons.
The autonomic nervous system only includes efferent neurons.
The autonomic nervous system is defined as self-governing, functioning independently of the _______.
The autonomic nervous system is defined as self-governing, functioning independently of the _______.
What is the role of postganglionic neurons in the autonomic nervous system?
What is the role of postganglionic neurons in the autonomic nervous system?
Flashcards
What is the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?
What is the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a control system that regulates involuntary bodily functions, like heart rate, digestion, and breathing. It operates independently of conscious control.
What are the divisions of the ANS?
What are the divisions of the ANS?
The ANS is made up of three divisions: the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems. Each division has specific roles in regulating bodily functions.
What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system?
What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system?
The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action, like during stressful situations. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate, and redirects blood flow to muscles.
What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?
What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?
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What is the role of the enteric nervous system?
What is the role of the enteric nervous system?
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What are the pathways of the ANS?
What are the pathways of the ANS?
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What are somatic motor neurons?
What are somatic motor neurons?
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What are autonomic motor neurons?
What are autonomic motor neurons?
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What is the Autonomic Nervous System?
What is the Autonomic Nervous System?
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What does the ANS regulate?
What does the ANS regulate?
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What are the two main branches of the ANS?
What are the two main branches of the ANS?
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What is the enteric nervous system?
What is the enteric nervous system?
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How does the enteric nervous system relate to the other branches?
How does the enteric nervous system relate to the other branches?
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What are afferent neurons?
What are afferent neurons?
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What are efferent neurons?
What are efferent neurons?
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What are preganglionic neurons?
What are preganglionic neurons?
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White rami communicantes
White rami communicantes
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Gray rami communicantes
Gray rami communicantes
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Location of Sympathetic Preganglionic Neurons
Location of Sympathetic Preganglionic Neurons
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Sympathetic Nervous System Function
Sympathetic Nervous System Function
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Pseudorabies Virus Tracing
Pseudorabies Virus Tracing
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Where are sympathetic preganglionic neurons located?
Where are sympathetic preganglionic neurons located?
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How do sympathetic preganglionic axons leave the spinal cord?
How do sympathetic preganglionic axons leave the spinal cord?
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What are the white rami communicantes?
What are the white rami communicantes?
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Where are the paravertebral ganglia located?
Where are the paravertebral ganglia located?
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How are the paravertebral ganglia organized?
How are the paravertebral ganglia organized?
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What is the superior cervical ganglion?
What is the superior cervical ganglion?
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Where can sympathetic preganglionic neurons synapse?
Where can sympathetic preganglionic neurons synapse?
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What are prevertebral ganglia?
What are prevertebral ganglia?
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Where else can sympathetic preganglionic neurons synapse?
Where else can sympathetic preganglionic neurons synapse?
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What neurotransmitter do sympathetic postganglionic neurons release?
What neurotransmitter do sympathetic postganglionic neurons release?
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What are the ganglia that innervate the heart, lungs, and bronchi?
What are the ganglia that innervate the heart, lungs, and bronchi?
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What is the general organization of paravertebral sympathetic ganglia?
What is the general organization of paravertebral sympathetic ganglia?
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What are the possible fates of a preganglionic sympathetic axon after entering a paravertebral ganglion?
What are the possible fates of a preganglionic sympathetic axon after entering a paravertebral ganglion?
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What is a prevertebral plexus, and what are some of its major components?
What is a prevertebral plexus, and what are some of its major components?
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What is the significance of the branching and synaptic patterns of preganglionic sympathetic fibers?
What is the significance of the branching and synaptic patterns of preganglionic sympathetic fibers?
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How do postganglionic axons from paravertebral ganglia return to the spinal nerves?
How do postganglionic axons from paravertebral ganglia return to the spinal nerves?
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What is the general function of the sympathetic nervous system?
What is the general function of the sympathetic nervous system?
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What is the general function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
What is the general function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
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Why can sympathetic activation have widespread effects?
Why can sympathetic activation have widespread effects?
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What is the overall role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems in the body?
What is the overall role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems in the body?
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What is the sympathetic nervous system?
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
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What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
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How does the ANS work?
How does the ANS work?
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What is the relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?
What is the relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions?
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What are postganglionic neurons?
What are postganglionic neurons?
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When is the sympathetic division activated?
When is the sympathetic division activated?
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Why are sympathetic postganglionic axons long?
Why are sympathetic postganglionic axons long?
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What are white rami communicantes?
What are white rami communicantes?
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What are gray rami communicantes?
What are gray rami communicantes?
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How does pseudorabies virus help understand autonomic pathways?
How does pseudorabies virus help understand autonomic pathways?
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What is the stellate ganglion?
What is the stellate ganglion?
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Which ganglia innervate the heart, lungs, and bronchi?
Which ganglia innervate the heart, lungs, and bronchi?
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What are the potential pathways of a preganglionic sympathetic axon after entering a paravertebral ganglion?
What are the potential pathways of a preganglionic sympathetic axon after entering a paravertebral ganglion?
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What is the prevertebral plexus?
What is the prevertebral plexus?
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Why does sympathetic activation have widespread effects?
Why does sympathetic activation have widespread effects?
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How do postganglionic axons from paravertebral ganglia reach the spinal nerves?
How do postganglionic axons from paravertebral ganglia reach the spinal nerves?
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What is the overall role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
What is the overall role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
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Where are the sympathetic chain ganglia located?
Where are the sympathetic chain ganglia located?
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Where do sympathetic preganglionic neurons originate?
Where do sympathetic preganglionic neurons originate?
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Where are paravertebral ganglia located?
Where are paravertebral ganglia located?
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How are paravertebral ganglia organized?
How are paravertebral ganglia organized?
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Study Notes
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
- The ANS is responsible for involuntary bodily functions
- It's independent of conscious control
- Includes visceral functions like metabolism, cardiopulmonary function, and other bodily processes
- Continues to regulate functions even when awake, attentive, or asleep
- Most input from the internal environment is unnoticed; distress might trigger awareness
- Voluntary control of visceral organs is minimal
- The ANS is crucial for life and complex brain processes
- Two main anatomical pathways: somatic motor neurons that trigger skeletal muscles, and autonomic motor neurons for smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, secretory epithelia, and glands. These autonomic motor nerves constantly adjust organ function.
Mechanisms of Sensory Input Dissociation During Sleep
- Closing the eyes
- Blocking sensory input to cortex through the thalamus
- Complete paralysis of skeletal muscles during REM sleep (prevents acting out dreams)
Nature of Cortical vs. Autonomic Control
- Cortical function is conscious and intermittent
- Autonomic functions are continuous
- Autonomic control is essential for visceral processes
- ANS functions monitor visceral afferents (input), comparing them to needs and anticipating future needs, and controlling output accordingly
Autonomic Nervous System Divisions
- Sympathetic
- Parasympathetic
- Enteric
Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic
- Two-synapse pathways for target tissues other than skeletal muscle
- Preganglionic neurons in CNS; synapse with postganglionic neurons
- Axons extend to targets; sympathetic and parasympathetic can work independently or in opposition to each other to regulate visceral functions
- Sympathetic: Involved in stress response, physical activity, fear, or excitement; Parasympathetic: Involved in relaxed states, eating, or sedentary activity. The sympathetic division and parasympathetic division often have opposing effects.
Enteric Division
- Network of neurons (plexuses) surrounding the gastrointestinal tract
- Functions largely independently from the CNS, but is influenced by sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers
- Can function as an independent “local” nervous system.
Preganglionic Neurons
- Cell bodies in thoracic and upper lumbar spinal cord (T1-L3)
- Located in the intermediolateral cell column or lateral horn
- Exits spinal cord through ventral roots
- Enters the white rami communicantes
- Mostly myelinated
Postganglionic Neurons
- Cell bodies in paravertebral ganglia
- Axons exit ganglia in gray rami communicantes to rejoin spinal nerves
- The neurons are located in the paravertebral and prevertebral ganglia.
- Axons go to target organs and tissues; each preganglionic sympathetic neuron can synapse with 200+ postganglionic neurons.
Tracts and Ganglia
- Paravertebral ganglia are adjacent to the spinal cord
- Prevertebral ganglia (e.g., celiac, superior mesenteric) are located in front of the aorta
- Ganglia receive axons from preganglionic sympathetic neurons
- Sympathetic postganglionic neurons have axons that travel to organs through other nerves or through blood vessels
- White rami communicantes are white because they are myelinated. Gray rami communicantes contain postganglionic neurons
Role of ANS in the Body
- Various functions—visceral, cardiovascular, digestive systems, and more
- Sympathetic actions involved in stressful or high-activity states
- Parasympathetic actions involved in relaxed states or during digestion.
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Description
This quiz covers the key concepts of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), including its functions, mechanisms of sensory input dissociation during sleep, and the differences between cortical and autonomic control. Dive into the essential roles of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis.
