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Questions and Answers
Which effect is directly associated with the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)?
Which effect is directly associated with the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)?
What is the primary role of the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) concerning digestion?
What is the primary role of the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) concerning digestion?
Which of the following responses is NOT typically triggered by the SNS?
Which of the following responses is NOT typically triggered by the SNS?
How does the PSNS affect the eyes compared to the SNS?
How does the PSNS affect the eyes compared to the SNS?
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Which bodily function is increased by the PSNS during arousal?
Which bodily function is increased by the PSNS during arousal?
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What is the pathway of the presynaptic neurons in the sympathetic system?
What is the pathway of the presynaptic neurons in the sympathetic system?
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How does the brain interpret pain signals from visceral organs?
How does the brain interpret pain signals from visceral organs?
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What is one consequence of the overlapping pathways of visceral and somatic sensory fibers?
What is one consequence of the overlapping pathways of visceral and somatic sensory fibers?
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Which of the following best describes visceral afferent neurons?
Which of the following best describes visceral afferent neurons?
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What role does the vagus nerve play in relation to pain perception?
What role does the vagus nerve play in relation to pain perception?
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Which segment of the spinal cord is likely involved in viscerosomatic convergence?
Which segment of the spinal cord is likely involved in viscerosomatic convergence?
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Where do presynaptic sympathetic neurons primarily synapse?
Where do presynaptic sympathetic neurons primarily synapse?
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What can result from the confusion of pain signals between visceral and somatic pathways?
What can result from the confusion of pain signals between visceral and somatic pathways?
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What primary function does the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) serve?
What primary function does the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) serve?
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Which of the following accurately describes the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)?
Which of the following accurately describes the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)?
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What type of control does the autonomic nervous system provide?
What type of control does the autonomic nervous system provide?
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Where does the parasympathetic nervous system primarily originate in the body?
Where does the parasympathetic nervous system primarily originate in the body?
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What is the effect of increased sympathetic nervous system activity on heart rate?
What is the effect of increased sympathetic nervous system activity on heart rate?
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Which statement about visceral afferents is true?
Which statement about visceral afferents is true?
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How does the structure of the sympathetic nervous system differ from that of the parasympathetic nervous system?
How does the structure of the sympathetic nervous system differ from that of the parasympathetic nervous system?
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Which system is NOT part of the autonomic nervous system?
Which system is NOT part of the autonomic nervous system?
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What is the primary function of the parotid gland?
What is the primary function of the parotid gland?
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Which cranial nerve is associated with the chemoreceptors that sense blood pressure changes?
Which cranial nerve is associated with the chemoreceptors that sense blood pressure changes?
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What does the name 'vagus' signify in reference to Cranial Nerve X?
What does the name 'vagus' signify in reference to Cranial Nerve X?
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What type of innervation does the vagus nerve primarily provide?
What type of innervation does the vagus nerve primarily provide?
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Which organ systems does the vagus nerve particularly innervate?
Which organ systems does the vagus nerve particularly innervate?
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What does it mean that the parasympathetic system is craniosacral?
What does it mean that the parasympathetic system is craniosacral?
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Which cranial nerve is the most widespread in the body?
Which cranial nerve is the most widespread in the body?
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What is one way to utilize the vagus nerve's parasympathetic dominance effectively?
What is one way to utilize the vagus nerve's parasympathetic dominance effectively?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems?
Which of the following statements is true regarding the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems?
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How does the parotid gland contribute to digestion?
How does the parotid gland contribute to digestion?
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What is a primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
What is a primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system?
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Which nerves are associated with the parasympathetic system?
Which nerves are associated with the parasympathetic system?
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Which statement accurately reflects the characteristics of the autonomic pathways?
Which statement accurately reflects the characteristics of the autonomic pathways?
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Which region does the parasympathetic nervous system primarily originate from?
Which region does the parasympathetic nervous system primarily originate from?
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What role does the pelvic nerves S2-S4 play in the parasympathetic nervous system?
What role does the pelvic nerves S2-S4 play in the parasympathetic nervous system?
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How does the structure of the parasympathetic nervous system compare to the sympathetic nervous system?
How does the structure of the parasympathetic nervous system compare to the sympathetic nervous system?
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What effect does mindful breathing have on the autonomic nervous system?
What effect does mindful breathing have on the autonomic nervous system?
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Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for pupillary constriction?
Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for pupillary constriction?
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Which glands are stimulated by the facial nerve (CN VII)?
Which glands are stimulated by the facial nerve (CN VII)?
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What role does the vagus nerve play in digestion?
What role does the vagus nerve play in digestion?
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Which nerve primarily contributes to the parasympathetic functions of the digestive system?
Which nerve primarily contributes to the parasympathetic functions of the digestive system?
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What is the primary role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) during stressful situations?
What is the primary role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) during stressful situations?
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Which statement best describes the autonomic nervous system's control over bodily functions?
Which statement best describes the autonomic nervous system's control over bodily functions?
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Where does the parasympathetic nervous system's innervation originate?
Where does the parasympathetic nervous system's innervation originate?
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How do the pathways of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems mainly differ?
How do the pathways of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems mainly differ?
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Which of the following terms is associated with the parasympathetic nervous system's function?
Which of the following terms is associated with the parasympathetic nervous system's function?
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What type of motor output is associated with the autonomic nervous system?
What type of motor output is associated with the autonomic nervous system?
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How does increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system affect the body?
How does increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system affect the body?
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What characterizes the autonomic nervous system's visceral afferents?
What characterizes the autonomic nervous system's visceral afferents?
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What is the primary function of the lacrimal glands?
What is the primary function of the lacrimal glands?
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Which cranial nerve is responsible for providing sensory information from the carotid sinus?
Which cranial nerve is responsible for providing sensory information from the carotid sinus?
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What is one of the roles of mucosal glands in the body?
What is one of the roles of mucosal glands in the body?
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Which glands are primarily responsible for saliva production?
Which glands are primarily responsible for saliva production?
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What type of innervation does the glossopharyngeal nerve provide to the parotid gland?
What type of innervation does the glossopharyngeal nerve provide to the parotid gland?
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Which of the following is a function of the glossopharyngeal nerve?
Which of the following is a function of the glossopharyngeal nerve?
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Which statement best describes capillary chemoreceptors?
Which statement best describes capillary chemoreceptors?
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In what way do glands such as the submandibular and sublingual contribute to the digestive process?
In what way do glands such as the submandibular and sublingual contribute to the digestive process?
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What is the function of gray rami communicantes in the sympathetic nervous system?
What is the function of gray rami communicantes in the sympathetic nervous system?
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Which pathway is primarily formed by presynaptic neurons exiting the sympathetic trunk without synapsing?
Which pathway is primarily formed by presynaptic neurons exiting the sympathetic trunk without synapsing?
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Where do sympathetic neurons typically synapse when they ascend or descend to different levels?
Where do sympathetic neurons typically synapse when they ascend or descend to different levels?
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What is a characteristic feature of the sympathetic nervous system pathway from T1 to L2?
What is a characteristic feature of the sympathetic nervous system pathway from T1 to L2?
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What type of ganglia do splanchnic nerves synapse with after exiting the sympathetic trunk?
What type of ganglia do splanchnic nerves synapse with after exiting the sympathetic trunk?
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What is the primary role of postsynaptic neurons in the sympathetic pathway?
What is the primary role of postsynaptic neurons in the sympathetic pathway?
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What is the significance of the sympathetic trunk in the organization of sympathetic pathways?
What is the significance of the sympathetic trunk in the organization of sympathetic pathways?
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Why are there no sympathetic pathways originating above T1 or below L2?
Why are there no sympathetic pathways originating above T1 or below L2?
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From which spinal cord levels do sympathetic neurons primarily arise?
From which spinal cord levels do sympathetic neurons primarily arise?
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What is the role of white rami communicantes in the sympathetic nervous system?
What is the role of white rami communicantes in the sympathetic nervous system?
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Which statement accurately describes the function of the sympathetic trunk?
Which statement accurately describes the function of the sympathetic trunk?
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Which type of neurons create gray rami communicantes?
Which type of neurons create gray rami communicantes?
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Where do all sympathetic fibers enter the sympathetic trunk?
Where do all sympathetic fibers enter the sympathetic trunk?
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What happens to signals below L2 regarding the sympathetic trunk?
What happens to signals below L2 regarding the sympathetic trunk?
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Which structure is responsible for conveying sympathetic output from the spinal cord?
Which structure is responsible for conveying sympathetic output from the spinal cord?
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What type of signals are associated with the sympathetic nervous system?
What type of signals are associated with the sympathetic nervous system?
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Which of the following describes a characteristic of presynaptic neurons in the sympathetic system?
Which of the following describes a characteristic of presynaptic neurons in the sympathetic system?
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Which area of the body does the sympathetic trunk connect to?
Which area of the body does the sympathetic trunk connect to?
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Study Notes
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)
- Part of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
- Controls visceral (organ) function involuntarily
Divisions of the ANS
- Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS): "Rest and digest" or "Feed and breed"
- Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS): "Fight, flight, or fright"
Somatic vs. Autonomic
-
Somatic
- General sensory
- Musculoskeletal movements and reflexes (motor)
-
Autonomic
- Visceral afferents (sensory input from organs)
- Visceral efferents (motor output to organs)
- Smooth muscle
- Cardiac muscle
- Glands
Impacts of Autonomic System
-
SNS:
- Increased heart rate
- Increased contraction force
- Decreased saliva and tear production/excretion
- Bronchodilation, faster breath rate
- Pupillary dilation
- Sweat gland excretion and hair erection
- Decreased digestive activity, blood diverted to periphery
- Orgasm/ejaculation
- Decreased urinary function
-
PSNS:
- Decreased heart rate
- Decreased contraction force
- Increased saliva and tear production/excretion
- Bronchoconstriction, slower breath rate
- Pupillary constriction
- Increased digestive activity
- Arousal/erection
- Increased urinary function
Sympathetic Pathways
- Presynaptic neurons travel through the sympathetic trunk and can even follow splanchnic nerves to synapse directly within the adrenal glands.
Referred Pain
- The brain cannot differentiate between visceral sensory input and somatic sensory input.
- This can cause visceral pain to be perceived as coming from the periphery (skin).
Parasympathetic System
- Craniosacral, meaning its components arise from the brain and sacral region.
Vagus Nerve (CN X)
- The most widespread cranial nerve
- It provides the majority of parasympathetic innervation to the body.
- Its name means "wanderer" because of its extensive connections.
Autonomic Nervous System
- Part of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
- Controls internal organs (viscera) involuntarily
- Composed of two branches: Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous systems
- Sympathetic nervous system: "Fight, flight, or fright"
- Parasympathetic nervous system: "Rest and digest," "Feed and breed"
Somatic vs. Autonomic Nervous System
- Somatic: Controls voluntary movements and reflexes of the musculoskeletal system, utilizes general sensory input
- Autonomic: Controls involuntary actions of the viscera, utilizes visceral afferents (sensory input from organs) and visceral efferents (motor output to organs)
Sympathetic Trunk
- All sympathetic fibers run through the sympathetic trunk, located on both sides of the vertebral column
- Sympathetic neurons originate from the lateral horn of the spinal cord between T1 and L2
- White rami communicantes are myelinated pre-synaptic fibers that enter the sympathetic trunk
- Gray rami communicantes are unmyelinated post-synaptic fibers that exit the sympathetic trunk to reach target organs
- Paravertebral ganglia are located alongside the sympathetic trunk and are the primary sites for sympathetic neuron synapses
- Signals can only leave the sympathetic trunk at or below T1 and L2 levels
Sympathetic Pathways
- Presynaptic neuron: Neuron originating from the lateral horn, travels through white rami communicantes
- Postsynaptic neuron: Neuron that synapses with the presynaptic neuron in the sympathetic trunk or paravertebral ganglia, travels through gray rami communicantes
- Sympathetic neurons can synapse and exit the sympathetic trunk at the same level they originated or ascend/ descend to synapse and exit at different levels
- Splanchnic nerves: presynaptic neurons exit the sympathetic trunk without synapsing and synapse at more distal prevertebral ganglia in the abdomen
- Prevertebral ganglia include: celiac ganglion, superior mesenteric ganglion, inferior mesenteric ganglion
Parasympathetic System
- Craniosacral outflow: Involves cranial nerves and sacral spinal nerves
- Cranial nerves involved: Oculomotor (CN III), Facial (CN VII), Glossopharyngeal (CN IX), Vagus (CN X)
- Oculomotor nerve (CN III): Responsible for pupillary constriction
- Facial nerve (CN VII): Stimulates tear production (lacrimal gland), saliva production (sublingual and submandibular glands), and mucus production (nasal and oral cavities)
- Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX): Stimulates saliva production by the parotid gland
- Vagus nerve (CN X): Supplies parasympathetic innervation to most thoracic and abdominal organs
Breathing and the Autonomic Nervous System
- Mindful breathing can activate the somatic system (phrenic nerve) which stimulates the parasympathetic system (vagus nerve)
- The phrenic nerve controls the diaphragm, the primary muscle of respiration
- Sympathetic activity can lead to chronic stress and negative health outcomes
- Parasympathetic activity can counter the effects of stress.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and its divisions, including the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Learn about the differences between somatic and autonomic functions, as well as the impacts of the ANS on various bodily functions. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of this essential aspect of the peripheral nervous system.
