60 Questions
Which of the following systems is also known as the visceral, vegetative, or involuntary nervous system?
Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
What are the two main divisions of the nervous system?
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
What is the primary function of the somatic efferent neurons?
Voluntary control of skeletal muscles
Which of the following is NOT a division of the autonomic nervous system?
Somatic nervous system
Where do the preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic system originate from?
Thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord
What is the characteristic of the preganglionic nerve endings of the sympathetic nervous system?
They are highly branched
Which of the following is NOT a function regulated by the autonomic nervous system?
Contraction of skeletal muscles
What is the term for therapeutic effects on the functions of the ANS?
Autonomic drugs
Which of the following is a characteristic of the postganglionic neurons in the ANS?
They are long and highly branched
Which of the following is NOT a component of the peripheral nervous system?
Cerebrum
Which of the following is NOT a function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
Mobilizing energy stores of the body
Which of the following is NOT innervated by the parasympathetic nervous system?
Adrenal medulla
What is the primary function of the enteric nervous system?
Controlling digestion and absorption
What is the neurotransmitter of the ganglia in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
Acetylcholine
Which of the following is a function of the sympathetic nervous system?
Mobilizing energy stores of the body
What is the term used for neurons that release acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter?
Cholinergic
What are the two classifications of cholinergic receptors?
Muscarinic and Nicotinic
What is the primary difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
One is responsible for fight-or-flight, the other for rest-and-digest
Which of the following organs is innervated by only the sympathetic nervous system?
Adrenal medulla
Which neurotransmitter is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses from autonomic postganglionic nerves to effector organs in the sympathetic system?
Norepinephrine
Which type of fibers are involved in sweating in the sympathetic system?
Cholinergic fibers
What is the primary function of the somatic nervous system?
Voluntarily controlling skeletal muscles
Which of the following is a characteristic of the parasympathetic nervous system?
It has a one-to-one connection between preganglionic and postganglionic neurons
What is the term used for neurons that release norepinephrine as a neurotransmitter?
Adrenergic
What is the primary difference between the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the somatic nervous system?
One is involuntary, the other is voluntary
How many muscarinic receptors are there?
5
What are the two classifications of adrenergic receptors?
Alpha and Beta
Which of the following is a function of the sympathetic nervous system?
Dilating pupils and bronchioles
Which neurotransmitter is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses from autonomic postganglionic nerves to effector organs in the parasympathetic system?
Acetylcholine
What is the neurotransmitter of the neuromuscular junction?
Acetylcholine
What is the primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
To maintain homeostasis within the body
Which of the following systems functions independently of the CNS?
Enteric nervous system
What is the primary function of the somatic nervous system?
To control movement of skeletal muscles
Which of the following organs is innervated by only the sympathetic nervous system?
Adrenal medulla
What is the characteristic of the preganglionic neurons in the parasympathetic nervous system?
Long and unmyelinated
What is the neurotransmitter involved in the transmission of nerve impulses from autonomic postganglionic nerves to effector organs in the sympathetic system?
Norepinephrine
Which of the following is a characteristic of the sympathetic nervous system?
It is activated by stressful situations
What is the function of the vagus nerve in the heart?
To decrease heart rate
Which of the following is NOT a function of the enteric nervous system?
To control movement of skeletal muscles
What is the neurotransmitter released by the adrenal medulla in response to stimulation by acetylcholine?
Epinephrine
Which part of the nervous system is responsible for controlling vital body functions without conscious participation?
Autonomic nervous system
What is the primary function of the efferent neurons in the autonomic nervous system?
Regulating digestion, cardiac output, blood flow, and glandular secretions
What is the characteristic of the postganglionic neurons in the autonomic nervous system?
They are long in comparison to the preganglionic neurons
Which of the following nervous systems is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response?
Sympathetic nervous system
What is the term for the therapeutic effects on the functions of the autonomic nervous system?
Autonomic drugs
Which of the following is a characteristic of the preganglionic neurons in the sympathetic nervous system?
They are short in comparison to the postganglionic neurons
What is the primary function of the enteric nervous system?
Regulating digestion
Which of the following is NOT a function of the autonomic nervous system?
Regulating voluntary muscle movements
Which of the following nervous systems is responsible for promoting relaxation and reducing stress?
Parasympathetic nervous system
What is the primary difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?
One is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, while the other is responsible for promoting relaxation
Which neurotransmitter is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses from autonomic postganglionic nerves to effector organs in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems?
Acetylcholine
What is the classification of the receptors that bind to epinephrine and norepinephrine?
Adrenergic receptors
What is the term used to describe neurons that release acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter?
Cholinergic
Which neurotransmitter is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses from autonomic postganglionic nerves to effector organs in the sympathetic system?
Norepinephrine
Which of the following organs is involved in the release of acetylcholine?
Neuromuscular junction
What is the classification of the receptors that bind to acetylcholine?
Cholinergic receptors
Which neurotransmitter is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses from autonomic postganglionic nerves to effector organs in the parasympathetic system?
Acetylcholine
Which of the following is a characteristic of the postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic system?
They release norepinephrine
What is the classification of the receptors that bind to histamine?
Histamine receptors
Which neurotransmitter is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses from autonomic postganglionic nerves to effector organs in the sympathetic system, except for a few sympathetic fibers?
Norepinephrine
Study Notes
Introduction to the Nervous System
- The nervous system is divided into two anatomical divisions: the Central Nervous System (CNS), composed of the brain and spinal cord, and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), consisting of neurons located outside the CNS.
Functional Divisions of the Nervous System
- The efferent portion of the nervous system is further divided into:
- Somatic efferent neurons, involved in the voluntary control of functions such as contraction of skeletal muscles.
- The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which regulates vital body functions without conscious participation of the mind.
Anatomy of the ANS
- Efferent neurons in the ANS include preganglionic and postganglionic neurons.
- Afferent neurons are divided into sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems.
Sympathetic Nervous System
- Preganglionic neurons originate from the thoracic and lumbar regions (T1 to L2) of the spinal cord and synapse in ganglia close to and in parallel on each side of the spinal cord.
- Functions of the sympathetic nervous system include:
- Activation by stressful situations such as trauma, fear, hypoglycemia, cold, and exercise.
- Maintenance of the tone of vascular beds.
- Effects of stimulation of the sympathetic division:
- Increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Mobilize energy stores of the body.
- Increase blood flow to skeletal muscles and the heart while diverting flow from the skin and internal organs.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
- Preganglionic fibers originate from cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X, as well as from the sacral region (S2 to S4) of the spinal cord.
- Functions of the parasympathetic nervous system:
- Maintenance of homeostasis within the body.
- Required for life, as it maintains essential body functions such as digestion and elimination of wastes.
- Acts to oppose or balance the actions of the sympathetic division.
Enteric Nervous System
- The enteric nervous system is a collection of nerve fibers that innervate the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and gallbladder.
- It functions independently of the CNS and controls motility, exocrine and endocrine secretions, and microcirculation of the GI tract.
Innervation by the ANS
- Most organs in the body are innervated by both divisions of the ANS.
- Dual innervation allows for opposing actions on organs, such as slowing the heart rate (parasympathetic) versus increasing heart rate (sympathetic).
Neurotransmitters
- There are over 50 neurotransmitters, with common ones including:
- Norepinephrine
- Acetylcholine
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
- Histamine
- Glutamate
- γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
- Each neurotransmitter binds to a specific receptor.
Signal Transduction in the Effector Cell
- Receptors in ANS effector cells are classified based on the neurotransmitters that bind to them.
- Cholinergic receptors are further classified as muscarinic (µ1-µ5) or nicotinic (Nn, Nm).
- Epinephrine and norepinephrine bind to adrenergic receptors (α1 and α2), (β1β5), and acetylcholine binds to cholinergic receptors.
Introduction to the Nervous System
- The nervous system is divided into two anatomical divisions: the Central Nervous System (CNS), composed of the brain and spinal cord, and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS), consisting of neurons located outside the CNS.
Functional Divisions of the Nervous System
- The efferent portion of the nervous system is further divided into:
- Somatic efferent neurons, involved in the voluntary control of functions such as contraction of skeletal muscles.
- The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), which regulates vital body functions without conscious participation of the mind.
Anatomy of the ANS
- Efferent neurons in the ANS include preganglionic and postganglionic neurons.
- Afferent neurons are divided into sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems.
Sympathetic Nervous System
- Preganglionic neurons originate from the thoracic and lumbar regions (T1 to L2) of the spinal cord and synapse in ganglia close to and in parallel on each side of the spinal cord.
- Functions of the sympathetic nervous system include:
- Activation by stressful situations such as trauma, fear, hypoglycemia, cold, and exercise.
- Maintenance of the tone of vascular beds.
- Effects of stimulation of the sympathetic division:
- Increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Mobilize energy stores of the body.
- Increase blood flow to skeletal muscles and the heart while diverting flow from the skin and internal organs.
Parasympathetic Nervous System
- Preganglionic fibers originate from cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X, as well as from the sacral region (S2 to S4) of the spinal cord.
- Functions of the parasympathetic nervous system:
- Maintenance of homeostasis within the body.
- Required for life, as it maintains essential body functions such as digestion and elimination of wastes.
- Acts to oppose or balance the actions of the sympathetic division.
Enteric Nervous System
- The enteric nervous system is a collection of nerve fibers that innervate the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and gallbladder.
- It functions independently of the CNS and controls motility, exocrine and endocrine secretions, and microcirculation of the GI tract.
Innervation by the ANS
- Most organs in the body are innervated by both divisions of the ANS.
- Dual innervation allows for opposing actions on organs, such as slowing the heart rate (parasympathetic) versus increasing heart rate (sympathetic).
Neurotransmitters
- There are over 50 neurotransmitters, with common ones including:
- Norepinephrine
- Acetylcholine
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
- Histamine
- Glutamate
- γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
- Each neurotransmitter binds to a specific receptor.
Signal Transduction in the Effector Cell
- Receptors in ANS effector cells are classified based on the neurotransmitters that bind to them.
- Cholinergic receptors are further classified as muscarinic (µ1-µ5) or nicotinic (Nn, Nm).
- Epinephrine and norepinephrine bind to adrenergic receptors (α1 and α2), (β1β5), and acetylcholine binds to cholinergic receptors.
Learn about the autonomic nervous system, its divisions, and its role in regulating body functions. Understand the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and their therapeutic effects.
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