Autonomic Nervous System Basics

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What is the primary function of the autonomic nervous system?

To control skeletal muscle movement

To facilitate conscious effort

To maintain homeostasis despite external and internal environmental perturbations (correct)

To regulate emotional responses

What is the term sometimes used to describe the autonomic nervous system?

Voluntary nervous system

Involuntary nervous system (correct)

Somatic nervous system

Central nervous system

Which of the following tissues is NOT under the control of the autonomic nervous system?

Smooth muscle

Cardiac muscle

Skeletal muscle (correct)

Adipose tissue

What would be the consequence of lacking an autonomic nervous system?

Severely compromised ability to adapt to environmental stressors Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the autonomic nervous system in emotional experiences?

It plays a role in the body's response to emotional experiences Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to understand the functions of the autonomic nervous system?

Because many prescription and over-the-counter drugs exert their actions on the elements of the autonomic nervous system or its effector targets Signup and view all the answers

What are the three divisions of the autonomic nervous system?

SNS, PNS, and ENS Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of sympathetic preganglionic neurons?

They are located at all spinal segments Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the sympathetic nervous system based on the location of its preganglionic neurons?

Thoracolumbar division Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of the white rami communicans?

To separate sympathetic preganglionic axons from the ventral root Signup and view all the answers

Where do some sympathetic preganglionic neurons terminate?

On the cell bodies of postganglionic neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the distribution of paravertebral ganglia in the spinal cord?

Adjacent to each thoracic and upper lumbar spinal segment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is TRUE about the axons of preganglionic neurons?

They travel rostrally and caudally to terminate on postganglionic neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between autonomic dysfunction and neurologic disorders?

Many neurologic disorders are associated with autonomic dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

What is the name given to the parasympathetic nervous system due to the location of its preganglionic neurons?

Craniosacral division Signup and view all the answers

Which ganglion receives projections from the superior salivatory nucleus of the facial nerve?

Sphenopalatine ganglion Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the neurons in the Edinger Westphal nucleus of the oculomotor nerve?

Innervation of the ciliary muscle and sphincter constrictor muscle of the iris Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the autonomic nervous system includes cervical ganglia that provide innervation to structures in the head?

Sympathetic chain Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the preganglionic neurons in the parasympathetic nervous system?

Cranial nerves and sacral spinal cord Signup and view all the answers

Which ganglion receives projections from the inferior salivatory nucleus of the glossopharyngeal nerve?

Otic ganglion Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the neurons in the superior salivatory nucleus of the facial nerve?

Innervation of the lacrimal glands and nasal and palatine mucous membranes Signup and view all the answers

How do vagal preganglionic fibers synapse?

In ganglia cells clustered within the walls of visceral organs Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the parasympathetic nervous system innervates the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes?

Dorsal motor vagal nucleus Signup and view all the answers

Which pathway is responsible for innervating the pelvic viscera?

Sacral outflow Signup and view all the answers

What is the hallmark of Horner syndrome?

Anhidrosis (reduced sweating), ptosis (drooping eyelid), and miosis (constricted pupil) Signup and view all the answers

What is a rare disorder resulting from interruption of preganglionic or postganglionic sympathetic innervation to the face?

Horner syndrome Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system?

Drugs, neurodegenerative diseases, trauma, inflammatory processes, and neoplasia Signup and view all the answers

Where do neurons in the dorsal motor vagal nucleus innervate?

Esophagus, trachea, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract Signup and view all the answers