Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Quiz

Interruptions and Synapses in ANS

• Interruption points, known as synapses, occur between the central nervous system (CNS) and receptor sites in both sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
• In the parasympathetic division, synapses typically occur close to or within the target organs.
• In the sympathetic division, synapses are located in ganglia that are positioned near the spinal cord, away from target organs.

Preganglionic and Postganglionic Neuron Lengths

• In the parasympathetic division of the ANS, preganglionic neurons are very long, allowing them to extend directly to or near the target organs.
• The postganglionic neurons in the parasympathetic division are short, as they originate near the target organs.

Sympathetic Division and Spinal Cord Segments

• The sympathetic division branches off the CNS from the thoracolumbar regions of the spinal cord, specifically from T1 to L2 segments.
• This connection establishes a close relationship between sympathetic activity and spinal reflexes.

Parasympathetic Division Origin

• The parasympathetic division branches off the CNS primarily through cranial nerves and sacral spinal nerves.
• Major cranial nerves involved include the oculomotor, facial, glossopharyngeal, and vagus nerves, along with sacral nerves S2 to S4.

Test your knowledge of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) with this quiz! Explore the functions of the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems, and understand how they control involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.