Autonomic Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary effect of adrenergic antagonists?

  • They directly stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.
  • They prevent activation of adrenergic receptors. (correct)
  • They increase the release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla.
  • They increase the activation of adrenergic receptors.

Which type of adrenergic antagonist is known for its selective action on Beta-1 receptors?

  • Esmolol (correct)
  • Carvedilol
  • Labetalol
  • Propranolol

What characterizes cholinergic medications in their action on neurotransmitters?

  • They directly inhibit acetylcholinesterase.
  • They block muscarinic receptors.
  • They stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. (correct)
  • They prevent the release of acetylcholine.

Which of the following signs is NOT associated with a cholinergic crisis?

<p>Tachycardia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect is associated with blockers of acetylcholinesterase?

<p>Prolonged action of acetylcholine. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the sympathetic nervous system's activation?

<p>Norepinephrine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What allows alpha-adrenergic blocking agents to specifically target blood pressure regulation?

<p>They block the effects of catecholamines on blood vessels. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of a nonselective beta-blocker?

<p>It blocks Beta-1 and Beta-2 receptors. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the adrenal medulla in autonomic regulation?

<p>It releases catecholamines that enhance the fight-or-flight response. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic best describes the sympathetic nervous system's nerve distribution?

<p>Nerves are dispersed and numerous from a single pre-ganglionic neuron. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes parasympathetic postganglionic nerve fibers from sympathetic postganglionic nerve fibers?

<p>Parasympathetic fibers are located closer to the effector organ than sympathetic fibers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the sympathetic nervous system?

<p>Norepinephrine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when the alpha receptors in the autonomic nervous system are activated?

<p>Inhibition of neurotransmitter release and vasoconstriction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the adrenal medulla's role in the autonomic nervous system?

<p>It secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to sympathetic activation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which way do adrenergic and cholinergic receptors differ in the context of the autonomic nervous system?

<p>Adrenergic receptors respond to both norepinephrine and epinephrine. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the two-neuron system of the autonomic nervous system is correct?

<p>Both preganglionic and postganglionic neurons are involved in the signaling process to effector organs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological function is affected by the activation of beta-2 adrenergic receptors?

<p>Bronchodilation and uterine relaxation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In blood pressure control, which receptors play a crucial role during sympathetic activation?

<p>Alpha receptors that facilitate vasoconstriction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary neurotransmitter released at the neuromuscular junction that facilitates muscle contraction?

<p>Acetylcholine (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the body terminate the action of norepinephrine quickly in the system?

<p>Through reuptake into presynaptic neurons and enzymatic breakdown. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which receptor activation is primarily responsible for increased heart rate and contractility during stress?

<p>Beta-1 adrenergic receptors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological impact is associated with the activation of muscarinic receptors in target organs?

<p>Increased secretion of digestive enzymes and vasodilation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates sympathetic nerve fibers from parasympathetic nerve fibers in terms of their connectivity to effector organs?

<p>Sympathetic fibers tend to diffuse broadly while parasympathetic fibers are targeted. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily responsible for the rapid increase in heart rate during a sympathetic response?

<p>Adrenal medulla secretion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems?

<p>Sympathetic tone primarily maintains baseline blood pressure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the nucleus tractus solitarius within the autonomic nervous system?

<p>Relays sensory information for SNS response (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for increasing sweating under sympathetic stimulation?

<p>Acetylcholine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary effect of the adrenal medulla during a sympathetic response?

<p>Secretes hormones that enhance sympathetic activity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological action is primarily regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system?

<p>Digestive enzyme secretion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the body typically respond to increased blood pressure as detected by baroreceptors?

<p>Inhibition of parasympathetic impulses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions indicates a sympathetic nervous system overactivity?

<p>Facial flushing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism helps maintain blood pressure during trauma according to the autonomic nervous system?

<p>Lowering sympathetic impulses to reduce blood loss (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is MOST responsible for the majority of parasympathetic activity?

<p>Cranial Nerve X (Vagus) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible long-term consequence of a denervation injury?

<p>Loss of intrinsic tone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which drug type mimics the effects of catecholamines in the sympathetic nervous system?

<p>Sympathomimetics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which system controls bowel motility primarily?

<p>Parasympathetic system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which circumstance may lead to a hypotensive state immediately following spinal anesthesia?

<p>High spinal cord block (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nerve Distribution

  • Sympathetic nerves originate from the thoracolumbar region, demonstrating close proximity to effectors and diffuse innervation.
  • Parasympathetic nerves arise from the craniosacral region, with some synapsing early and others reaching target organs, leading to a more focused and discrete response.

Cervical Ganglia

  • Comprise superior, medial, and inferior ganglia; inferior cervical ganglion often fuses with the 1st thoracic ganglion to form the stellate ganglion, impacting sensory functions like smell recovery.
  • Stellate ganglion blocks are utilized for various conditions including chronic pain and PTSD.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Structure

  • The ANS, encompassing both sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic (PSNS) components, includes a two-neuron system (preganglionic and postganglionic fibers).
  • Preganglionic fibers are myelinated and use acetylcholine (ACh), while postganglionic fibers are unmyelinated, slower, and utilize norepinephrine (SNS) or ACh (PSNS).

Neurotransmitter Roles

  • ACh is the neurotransmitter for all preganglionic fibers and most parasympathetic postganglionic fibers; norepinephrine predominantly functions in sympathetic postganglionic signaling.
  • Cholinergic receptors (muscarinic and nicotinic) respond to ACh across various tissues, while adrenergic receptors are activated by norepinephrine and epinephrine, influencing a range of physiological responses.

Receptor Types and Effects

  • Muscarinic receptors: Found on effector cells affected by cholinergic neurons; play a role in bodily functions regulated by the PSNS and SNS.
  • Nicotinic receptors: Exist at autonomic ganglia and neuromuscular junctions, mediating fast synaptic transmission.
  • Adrenergic receptors: Divided into alpha and beta types, influencing vasoconstriction, heart rate, and bronchodilation through norepinephrine and epinephrine.

Pharmacological Mechanisms

  • Cholinergic medications enhance PSNS activity via direct receptor activation or inhibition of ACh breakdown.
  • Adrenergic antagonists are used for treating hypertension and other conditions, with effects dependent on receptor types targeted.

Cholinergic Crisis and Treatment

  • Characterized by excessive muscarinic stimulation leading to symptoms like salivation and bradycardia; treatment typically includes anticholinergics like atropine.

Homeostasis and ANS Functionality

  • The ANS maintains homeostasis by balancing SNS and PSNS activity, regulating blood pressure, gastrointestinal motility, and temperature—typically activated rapidly by neural centers in the spinal cord and brainstem.

Autonomic Dysregulation

  • Autonomic dysreflexia is a condition post-spinal cord injury that leads to uncontrolled sympathetic responses, often after stimuli below the injury site, posing severe risks of hypertension and other complications.

Synthesis and Metabolism of Neurotransmitters

  • ACh is synthesized from choline and acetyl-CoA, with breakdown via acetylcholinesterase; norepinephrine is formed in adrenergic fibers, with metabolism occurring through MAO and COMT pathways.

Effects of the Adrenal Medulla

  • The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine in response to sympathetic stimulation, providing prolonged action (5-10x) through dual mechanisms of SNS stimulation.

Intrinsic Personality Change Post-Injury

  • Following denervation injuries, there is increased intrinsic tone in smooth muscle of vessels and heightened sensitivity to catecholamines, demonstrating adaptive physiological changes over time.

Key Points on Autonomic Pharmacology

  • Drug classifications include sympathomimetics (increase SNS), cholinomimetics (increase PSNS), and respective antagonists that decrease activity of these systems, influencing various clinical outcomes depending on specific receptor interactions.

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