Autonomic Nervous System Overview

Questions and Answers

What effect does the sympathetic nervous system have on salivary glands?

Decreases secretion (correct)

No effect

Increases secretion

Stimulates vasodilation

Which cranial nerve is responsible for pupil constriction in the parasympathetic nervous system?

Glosso-pharyngeal (IX)

Facial (VII)

Oculomotor (III) (correct)

Vagus (X)

What is the primary effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on the heart?

Increases blood flow to coronary vessels

Decreases heart rate (correct)

Increases heart rate

Causes arrhythmias

Which of the following structures is NOT affected by the sympathetic nervous system?

Gastrointestinal tract Signup and view all the answers

In terms of urinary bladder function, what role does the sympathetic nervous system play?

Inhibits contraction Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is associated with increased secretion in the submandibular, sublingual, and lacrimal glands?

Facial (VII) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on bronchial tubes?

Bronchoconstriction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following body systems is not primarily impacted by the sympathetic division?

Digestive system Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily responsible for the redirection of blood flow from inactive to active organs during physical activity?

Heart rate and force of contraction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the parasympathetic nervous system during the rest and digest response?

Contraction of bronchiolar diameter Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the adrenal gland's adrenal cortex in bodily functions?

Secretion of cortisone to maintain alertness Signup and view all the answers

How does the body eliminate waste products while sweating?

By increasing blood flow to the skin Signup and view all the answers

What effect does pupil constriction have on vision during the parasympathetic response?

Facilitates closer vision for better focus Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ganglia is primarily associated with the relay of sympathetic nervous system signals?

Lateral ganglia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the autonomic ganglia?

To act as a distributing center for synapses Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerves are associated with the parasympathetic nervous system?

III, VII, IX, X Signup and view all the answers

The sympathetic nervous system originates from which regions of the spinal cord?

Thoracic and lumbar regions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following ganglia is located inside the organ it serves?

Terminal ganglia Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of cervical ganglia are present in the sympathetic nervous system?

3 pairs Signup and view all the answers

Which is the correct association for collateral ganglia?

Associated with the abdominal aorta Signup and view all the answers

Which system controls involuntary actions such as heart rate and gland secretion?

Autonomic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What physiological response is primarily promoted by the parasympathetic nervous system in the gastrointestinal tract?

Increase motility and sphincter relaxation Signup and view all the answers

During the sympathetic stress response, what effect does glycogenolysis have on blood glucose levels?

It increases blood glucose levels Signup and view all the answers

Which action is a characteristic of the sympathetic nervous system related to skin response?

Vasoconstriction of cutaneous blood vessels Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system in male genital function?

Facilitates penis erection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is associated with the sympathetic nervous system regarding the respiratory system?

Bronchodilatation for better ventilation Signup and view all the answers

What is inhibited during the parasympathetic response in the rectal area?

Wall contraction for feces propulsion Signup and view all the answers

What is one function of the sympathetic nervous system concerning the cardiovascular system during stress?

Increases blood flow to contracted muscles Signup and view all the answers

Which effect does the parasympathetic nervous system have on the female genitalia?

Promotes clitoris erection Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Physiological Anatomy of the Autonomic Nervous System (A.N.S.)

A.N.S. is part of the peripheral nervous system and controls involuntary actions such as glandular secretions and muscle contractions.
Comprised of two main divisions: Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS).
Sympathetic: Preganglionic neurons originate from the lateral horn of thoracolumbar segments (T1-L3).
Parasympathetic: Preganglionic neurons originate from craniosacral segments (Cranial nerves III, VII, IX, X, and sacral nerves S2-S4).

Autonomic Ganglia: Functions and Types

Autonomic ganglia serve as distribution centers, with one preganglionic neuron synapsing with 8-9 postganglionic neurons.
Types of ganglia include:
- Lateral (paravertebral) ganglia: One pair for each spinal segment, except cervical which has three pairs.
- Terminal (prevertebral) ganglia: Located inside organs at the origins of major vessels (e.g., celiac ganglion).
- Collateral ganglia: Relay both sympathetic and parasympathetic signals.

Functions of the Sympathetic Nervous System

Prepares the body for fight-or-flight response during stress or emergencies.
Cardiopulmonary functions include increased heart rate and ventilation for better oxygen supply.
Effects on various body systems:
- Eyes: Pupil dilation (exophthalmos).
- Salivary glands: decrease secretion.
- Heart: Increased rate and force of contraction.
- Lungs: Bronchodilation.
- GIT: Decreased motility and secretion.
- Urinary system: Urine retention by inhibiting contraction.
- Skin: Vasoconstriction and increased sweating.

Functions of the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Promotes rest-and-digest response focused on digestion and nutrient absorption.
Key actions:
- Eye: Pupil constriction and ciliary muscle contraction for near vision.
- Salivary glands: Increased secretion from submandibular, sublingual, and parotid glands.
- Heart: Decreased heart rate and blood vessel dilation.
- GIT: Increased motility and secretion (stimulating gall bladder emptying).
- Urinary system: Increased micturition and contraction of urinary bladder walls.

Fight or Flight Response

Induced by sympathetic activation during emergencies.
Enhancements include:
- Increased respiratory rate and bronchodilation for improved oxygen intake.
- Glycogenolysis in the liver, raising blood glucose levels.
- Lipolysis mobilizing free fatty acids for energy.
- Heightened cardiovascular response to direct blood flow to active muscles.
- Contraction of the spleen for increased red blood cell release.
- Activation of the adrenal glands for sustained alertness.

Rest and Digest Response

Mediated by parasympathetic actions for digestion and nutrient absorption.
Includes:
- Increased blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract through vessel dilation.
- Bronchoconstriction for reduced oxygen needs.
- Stimulation of salivary glands and acceleration of intestinal peristalsis.
- Overall enhancement of digestive processes and nutrient absorption.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of the Autonomic Nervous System (A.N.S.) with this quiz. Learn about its physiological anatomy, its role in controlling involuntary actions, and the differences between the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. This quiz is essential for understanding the complex functions of the peripheral nervous system.